Life course models: improving interpretation by consideration of total effects.
Life course epidemiology has used models of accumulation and critical or sensitive periods to examine the importance of exposure timing in disease aetiology. These models are usually used to describe the direct effects of exposures over the life course. In comparison with consideration of direct effects only, we show how consideration of total effects improves interpretation of these models, giving clearer notions of when it will be most effective to intervene. We show how life course variation in the total effects depends on the magnitude of the direct effects and the stability of the exposure. We discuss interpretation in terms of total, direct and indirect effects and highlight the causal assumptions required for conclusions as to the most effective timing of interventions.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Sociology, Medical
- Socioeconomic Factors
- Social Determinants of Health
- Humans
- Forecasting
- Epidemiology
- Epidemiologic Methods
- Causality
- 4905 Statistics
- 4206 Public health
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Sociology, Medical
- Socioeconomic Factors
- Social Determinants of Health
- Humans
- Forecasting
- Epidemiology
- Epidemiologic Methods
- Causality
- 4905 Statistics
- 4206 Public health