Daly, Michael and MacLachlan, Malcolm (2011) Heredity links natural hazards and human health: Apolipoprotein E gene moderates the health of earthquake survivors. Health Psychology, 30 (2). pp. 228-235. ISSN 1930-7810

Preview

Download (246kB) | Preview

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role of the apolipoprotein ε4 allele in moderating the influence of an exogenous stressor, an earthquake, on health. A "natural experiment" design was used where the interaction between the presence of the apolipoprotein ε4 allele and the level of subjective and objective exposure to a devastating earthquake was examined in a population-based cohort of elderly Taiwanese (N = 718). The cognitive-affective dimension of health was assessed by measures of perceived control and depression and functional limitations were assessed using measures of instrumental activities of daily living and mobility. Overall health status was gauged using a single-item measure of self-rated health. Those who experienced damage to their property or were forced to move from their homes (high objective exposure) demonstrated low levels of self-rated health and somewhat lower perceived control a year later, only if they were apolipoprotein ε4 carriers. Similarly, those who found the earthquake severely distressing (high subjective exposure) were shown to have low levels of functioning and low self-rated health a year later, only if they possessed the ε4 allele. Our findings suggest that genetic variation in the apolipoprotein E gene may modify the health effects of the exogenous stress of natural disaster exposure.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	apolipoprotein E; gene x; environment interaction; trauma; natural experiment;
Academic Unit:	Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
Item ID:	16502
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022377
Depositing User:	Malcolm MacLachlan
Date Deposited:	12 Sep 2022 14:38
Journal or Publication Title:	Health Psychology
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

Repository Staff Only(login required)

Item control page

Downloads

Origin of downloads