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Genetic correlation and gene-environment interaction between alcohol problems and educational level in young
Antti Latvala1, Danielle M Dick, Annamari Tuulio-Henriksson
1Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland. antti.latvala@thl.fi
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
|March 11, 2011
Summary
Genetic factors contribute to the link between lower education and alcohol problems. Higher education increases genetic influence on alcohol problems, while lower education heightens environmental impact.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Sociology
Background:
- Lower educational attainment is frequently observed alongside alcohol problems.
- The underlying factors, particularly shared genetic influences and gene-environment interactions, remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate common genetic influences between alcohol problems and low education.
- To examine gene-environment interactions in the relationship between educational attainment and alcohol problems.
Main Methods:
- A population-based sample of 4,858 Finnish young adult twins was analyzed.
- Alcohol problems were measured using the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index and maximum 24-hour alcohol consumption.
- Educational level was assessed by completed and ongoing studies.
Main Results:
- Educational level showed an inverse association with alcohol problems in young adulthood, primarily due to shared genetic factors.
- Higher education amplified the relative importance of genetic influences on alcohol problems.
- Environmental factors played a more significant role in alcohol problems among individuals with lower education.
Conclusions:
- A complex interplay exists between educational level and alcohol problems in young adults.
- Shared genetic factors influence the co-occurrence of lower education and higher alcohol problems.
- Educational level moderates the genetic and environmental contributions to alcohol problems, potentially via social-control mechanisms.
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