B3838 - Using Instruments for Selection to Adjust for Selection Bias in Mendelian Randomization - 20/08/2021

B number: 
B3838
Principal applicant name: 
Apostolos Gkatzionis | MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol
Co-applicants: 
Professor Kate Tilling, Dr Kate Northstone, Dr Jon Heron
Title of project: 
Using Instruments for Selection to Adjust for Selection Bias in Mendelian Randomization
Proposal summary: 

Biomedical research is often hindered by the presence of missing data. For example, missing data can occur due to study participants' unwillingness to disclose sensitive information about themselves (e.g. refusing to answer questions related to their mental health, alcohol consumption or drug use). In our research, we develop novel statistical methodologies to account for missing data, using available information on traits that affect a participant's willingness to provide full data but not otherwise affecting the outcome of an applied study. We hope to illustrate our method by using the ALSPAC dataset to estimate the true prevalence of alcoholism, depression, smoking and self-harm, as well as assessing the effects of obesity and education on these traits.

Impact of research: 
This work will showcase our new method to adjust for selection bias. If our method proves to be effective, its use will aid researchers working on applications where selection bias is suspected.
Date proposal received: 
Wednesday, 21 July, 2021
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 2 August, 2021
Keywords: 
Genetic epidemiology (including association studies and mendelian randomisation), Addiction, Behaviour, Mental Health, Obesity, (Have selected "other" and listed all appropriate conditions because the list did not allow selecting multiple options), Statistical methods, BMI, Genetic epidemiology, Mendelian randomization, Statistical methods. (Have selected "other" and listed all appropriate conditions because the list did not allow selecting multiple options)