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Genetics in population health science: Strategies and opportunities

Author

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  • Belsky, D.W.
  • Moffitt, T.E.
  • Caspi, A.

Abstract

Translational research is needed to leverage discoveries from the frontiers of genome science to improve public health. So far, public health researchers have largely ignored genetic discoveries, and geneticists have ignored important aspects of population health science. This mutual neglect should end. In this article, we discuss 3 areas where public health researchers can help to advance translation: (1) risk assessment: investigate genetic profiles as components in composite risk assessments; (2) targeted intervention: conduct life-course longitudinal studies to understand when genetic risks manifest in development and whether intervention during sensitive periods can have lasting effects; and (3) improved understanding of environmental causation: collaborate with geneticists on gene-environment interaction research. We illustrate with examples from our own research on obesity and smoking.

Suggested Citation

  • Belsky, D.W. & Moffitt, T.E. & Caspi, A., 2013. "Genetics in population health science: Strategies and opportunities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(SUPPL.1), pages 73-83.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2012.301139_5
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301139
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    Cited by:

    1. Pehkonen, Jaakko & Viinikainen, Jutta & Böckerman, Petri & Lehtimäki, Terho & Pitkänen, Niina & Raitakari, Olli, 2017. "Genetic endowments, parental resources and adult health: Evidence from the Young Finns Study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 191-200.
    2. Felix C.H. Gottschalk, 2019. "Why prevent when it does not pay? Prevention when health services are credence goods," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(5), pages 693-709, May.
    3. Boon, Wouter P.C. & Aarden, Erik & Broerse, Jacqueline E.W., 2015. "Path creation by public agencies — The case of desirable futures of genomics," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 67-76.
    4. Jaakko Pehkonen & Jutta Viinikainen & Jaana T. Kari & Petri Böckerman & Terho Lehtimäki & Olli Raitakari, 2021. "Birth weight and adult income: An examination of mediation through adult height and body mass," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(10), pages 2383-2398, September.

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