Statistical Design and Methods for Integrating Biomarker and Genetic Data into the Army STARRS Epidemiological Study of Suicidality

• Activity Number: 296
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Mental Health Statistics Section
• Author(s): Colter Mitchell*
• Companies: University of Michigan
• Keywords: Genetics ; Military ; Biomarker ; Mental Health ; Suicide

Abstract

This paper will describe the biomarker data collection methods, assays used (genetic, epigenetic, gene expression, and metabolomic), statistical methodology, and selected preliminary findings from the New Soldier Study (NSS) and Pre-Post Deployment Study (PPDS) components of the Army STARRS. Statistical challenges and methods for preparing the NSS and PPDS biomarker data for GWAS analysis will be laid out-including issues of weighting and missing data. In addition a description of the statistical methods for the GWAS and the investigation of the role of deployment stress on DNA methylation and telomere length will be discussed.