Using allele scores to identify confounding by reverse causation: studies of alcohol consumption as an exemplar.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mendelian randomization (MR) is a form of instrumental variable analysis used to investigate causality using observational data. Another important, although less frequently applied, use of this technique is to investigate confounding due to reverse causality.

Methods

We used a form of reverse MR and data from UK Biobank in a proof-of-principle study to investigate confounding due to reverse causation. Here we focus on the association between alcohol consumption (exposure) and outcomes including educational attainment, and physical and mental health. First, we examined the observational relationship between alcohol consumption and these outcomes. Allele scores were then derived for educational attainment, and physical and mental health, and the association with alc

SUBMITTER: Sallis HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10114122 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature