Exploring Rural-Urban Differences in Polygenic Associations for Health among Older Adults in the United States

Area of Science:

• Sociogenomics
• Environmental Health
• Health Disparities Research

Background:

• Previous studies indicate reduced genetic associations for health in rural versus urban settings.
• Current research lacks the use of genome-wide polygenic scores and has not specifically focused on older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in genetic associations for physical health, mental health, and health behaviors between rural and urban residents.
• To utilize genome-wide polygenic scores in a large sample of older adults to examine these disparities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 14,994 adults from the Health and Retirement Study (1992-2016).
• Application of genome-wide polygenic scores to assess genetic associations for various health outcomes.
• Comparison of genetic effect magnitudes between rural and urban populations.

Main Results:

• Significantly reduced genetic associations were observed for Body Mass Index (BMI) and heart conditions in rural settings compared to urban settings.
• Weak evidence suggested reduced genetic associations for depression in rural areas.
• No significant difference in genetic associations for smoking was found between rural and urban residents.

Conclusions:

• Weaker genetic associations in rural areas underscore the significant impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on health disparities.
• Environmental determinants are central to understanding health differences between rural and urban populations.