11 results on '"Zavos, Helena"'
Search Results
2. Frequency of Consumption of Food Groups and Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors: A Genetically Informative Twin Study in Sri Lanka
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Zavos, Helena M. S., Riddleston, Laura, Jayaweera, Kaushalya, Dissanayake, Lasith, Jabir, Sameeha, Pannala, Gayani, Hotopf, Matthew, Siribaddana, Sisira, Sumathipala, Athula, and Rijsdijk, Frühling V.
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- 2024
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3. The relationship between independent and dependent life events and depression symptoms in Sri Lanka: a twin and singleton study
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Zavos, Helena M. S., Dalton, Bethan, Jayaweera, Kaushalya, Harber-Aschan, Lisa, Pannala, Gayani, Adikari, Anushka, Hatch, Stephani L., Siribaddana, Sisira, Sumathipala, Athula, Hotopf, Matthew, and Rijsdijk, Frühling V.
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- 2020
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4. Natural disaster and risk preferences: evidence from Sri Lankan twins.
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Kettlewell, Nathan, Rijsdijk, Fruhling, Siribaddana, Sisira, Sumathipala, Athula, Tymula, Agnieszka, Zavos, Helena, and Glozier, Nicholas
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INDIAN Ocean Tsunami, 2004 ,NATURAL disasters ,COUPLES therapy - Abstract
We estimate whether risk preferences are affected by traumatic events by using a unique survey of Sri Lankan twins which contains information on individual’s exposure to the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, validated measures of mental health and risk preferences, and a rich set of control variables. Our estimation strategy utilizes variation in experiences within twin pairs and allows us to explore wealth shocks and/or changes in mental health as mechanisms. We find that exposure to the tsunami lead to less risk aversion, a result that is not explained by mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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5. Relationship between CRP and depression: A genetically sensitive study in Sri Lanka.
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Zavos, Helena M.S., Zunszain, Patricia A., Jayaweera, Kaushalya, Powell, Timothy R., Chatzivasileiadou, Maria, Harber-Aschan, Lisa, Adikari, Anushka, Pannala, Gayani, Siribaddana, Sisira, Badini, Isabella, Pariante, Carmine M., Hotopf, Matthew, Sumathipala, Athula, and Rijsdijk, Frühling
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C-reactive protein , *MENTAL depression , *GENETIC correlations , *BODY mass index , *INFLAMMATION , *RESEARCH , *RESEARCH methodology , *TWINS , *EVALUATION research , *COMPARATIVE studies , *PSYCHOLOGICAL tests , *SYMPTOMS , *RESEARCH funding , *QUESTIONNAIRES - Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown associations between major depression and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Few studies have considered the extent to which shared genetic and environmental factors contribute to this association, nor have they considered the relationship outside of European populations. We examined the association between CRP levels and depression and their aetiology in a Sri Lankan population.Methods: Data were collected from 2577 twins and 899 singletons in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Depression symptoms were assessed using the revised Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). High-sensitive CRP blood levels were assessed using immunoturbidimetry. Linear regressions were performed to test the association between CRP and depression. The heritability of CRP levels was estimated using Structural Equation Modelling.Results: CRP was significantly associated with BMI (p < 0.01) but not depression (p > 0.05). In males, variance in CRP levels was explained by shared environment (51% 95%CIs: 13-62) and non-shared environment (45% 95%CIs: 36-54). In contrast, in females, CRP variance was explained by genetic (41% 95%CIs: 10-52) and non-shared environment (56% 95%CIs: 47-67). A genetic correlation between CRP and BMI was observed in females only.Limitations: CRP level was based on a single data collection point, longer term data collection would give a more accurate picture of an individual's state of inflammation.Conclusions: The lack of association between depression and CRP strengthens the hypothesis that inflammation might contribute to the development of some, but not all types of depression. CRP levels were moderated by the environment, suggesting interventions aimed at reducing CRP levels and risk for inflammatory conditions, particularly in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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6. The association between emotional eating and depressive symptoms:a population based twin study in Sri Lanka
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Herle, Moritz P., Kan, Carol, Jayaweera, Kaushalya, Adikari, Anushka, Siribaddana, Sisira, Zavos, Helena M.S., Smolkina, Milana, Sumathipala, Athula, Llewellyn, Clare, Ismail, Khalida, Hotopf, Matthew, Treasure, Janet, and Rijsdijk, Frühling
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Adult ,Male ,Epidemiology ,Depression ,emotional eating ,Emotions ,global health ,Feeding Behavior ,Twins, Monozygotic ,Hyperphagia ,Middle Aged ,Social Environment ,R1 ,non-western population ,Socioeconomic Factors ,Diseases in Twins ,Twins, Dizygotic ,Humans ,Female ,Original Research Article ,twin research ,RA ,Follow-Up Studies ,Sri Lanka - Abstract
This study investigated the genetic and environmental contributions to emotional overeating (EOE) and depressive symptoms, and their covariation, in a Sri-Lankan population, using genetic model-fitting analysis. In total, 3957 twins and singletons in the Colombo Twin and Singleton Study-Phase 2 rated their EOE behaviour and depressive symptoms, which were significantly associated (men: r = 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.16, women: r = 0.12, 95% CI 0.07–0.16). Non-shared environmental factors explained the majority of variance in men (EOE e2 = 87%, 95% CI 78–95%; depressive symptoms e2 = 72%, 95% CI 61–83%) and women (EOE e2 = 76%, 95% CI 68–83%; depressive symptoms e2 = 64%, 95% CI 55–74%). Genetic factors were more important for EOE in women (h2 = 21%, 95% CI 4–32%) than men (h2 = 9%, 95% CI 0–20%). Shared-environmental factors were more important for depressive symptoms in men (c2 = 25%, 95% CI 10–36%) than women (c2 = 9%, 95% CI 0–35%). Non-shared environmental factors explained the overlap between depressive symptoms and EOE in women but not in men. Results differed from high-income populations, highlighting the need for behavioural genetic research in global populations.
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- 2019
7. The Sri Lankan twin registry biobank: South Asia's first twin biobank.
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Jayaweera, Kaushalya, Warnakula, Lakshan, Dissanayake, Lasith, Adikari, Anushka, Siribaddana, Sisira, Zavos, Helena M. S., Rijsdijk, Fruhling, Zunszain, Patricia A., Pariante, Carmine M., Glozier, Nick, Hotopf, Matthew, and Sumathipala, Athula
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TWIN studies ,TWINS ,HEALTH equity ,PUBLIC health research ,FETOFETAL transfusion - Abstract
Introduction. Biobanks are a valuable resource for creating advancements in science through cutting-edge omics research. Twin research methods allow us to understand the degree to which genetics and environmental factors contribute to health outcomes. Methods. The Sri Lankan Twin Registry biobank (SLTR-b) was established in 2015 as part of Colombo Twin and Singleton Follow-up Study. Venous blood and urine were collected from twins and comparative sample of singletons for clinical investigations and biobanking. Results. The SLTR-b currently houses 3369 DNA and serum samples. Biobank specimens are linked to longitudinal questionnaire data, clinical investigations, anthropometric measurements, and other data. Discussion. The SLTR-b aims to address gaps in health and genetics research. It will provide opportunities for academic collaborations, local and international, and capacity building of future research leaders in twin and omics research. This paper provides a cohort profile of the SLTR-b and its linked data, and an overview of the strategies used for biobanking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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8. Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychiatric disorders in a middle-income setting:prevalence and comorbidity
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Dorrington, Sarah, Zavos, Helena, Ball, Harriet, McGuffin, Peter, Rijsdijk, Fruhling, Siribaddana, Sisira, Sumathipala, Athula, and Hotopf, Matthew
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Adult ,Aged, 80 and over ,Male ,Adolescent ,Mental Disorders ,Comorbidity ,Middle Aged ,Violence ,behavioral disciplines and activities ,Life Change Events ,Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic ,Young Adult ,Sex Factors ,Social Class ,Socioeconomic Factors ,Papers ,mental disorders ,Income ,Prevalence ,Humans ,Female ,Aged ,Sri Lanka - Abstract
Background: Most studies of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have focused on 'high-risk' populations defined by exposure to trauma.Aims:To estimate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a LMIC, the conditional probability of PTSD given a traumatic event and the strength of associations between traumatic events and other psychiatric disorders.Method:Our sample contained a mix of 3995 twins and 2019 non-twins. We asked participants about nine different traumatic exposures, including the category ‘other’, but excluding sexual trauma.Results:Traumatic events were reported by 36.3% of participants and lifetime PTSD was present in 2.0%. Prevalence of non-PTSD lifetime diagnosis was 19.1%. Of people who had experienced three or more traumatic events, 13.3% had lifetime PTSD and 40.4% had a non-PTSD psychiatric diagnosis.Conclusions:Despite high rates of exposure to trauma, this population had lower rates of PTSD than high-income populations, although the prevalence might have been slightly affected by the exclusion of sexual trauma. There are high rates of non-PTSD diagnoses associated with trauma exposure that could be considered in interventions for trauma-exposed populations. Our findings suggest that there is no unique relationship between traumatic experiences and the specific symptomatology of PTSD.
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- 2014
9. The prevalence and correlates of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders: a population based study in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Zavos, Helena M. S., Siribaddana, Sisira, Ball, Harriet A., Lynskey, Michael T., Sumathipala, Athula, Rijsdijk, Frühling V., and Hotopf, Matthew
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MENTAL health , *ALCOHOLISM , *SUBSTANCE-induced disorders , *DISEASE prevalence , *ENVIRONMENTAL risk ,PSYCHIATRIC research - Abstract
Background: Alcohol use is increasing in non-Western countries. However, the effects of this increase on the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUD) remains unknown, particularly in South Asia. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and AUD in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Environmental risk factors and psychiatric correlates were also examined. Methods: The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to assess alcohol use and psychiatric disorders in a population based sample of 6014 twins and singletons in the Colombo region of Sri Lanka. Results: Lifetime alcohol use on 12 or more occasions was estimated at 63.1% (95% CI: 61.3-64.9) in men and 3.7% (95% CI: 3.0-4.3) in women. Prevalence of lifetime alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence in men was 6.2% (95% CI: 5.3-7.1) and 4.0% (95% CI: 3.3-4.7) respectively. Lower standard of living was independently associated with alcohol use and dependence but not abuse. Significant associations between lifetime AUD and other psychiatric disorders were observed. Conclusions: Lower prevalence of alcohol use and AUD was observed compared to Western countries. Prevalence of alcohol use and AUD were higher than previous reports. Socio-demographic and environmental risk factors appear to be similar across cultures as were associations between AUD and other psychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2015
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10. The Sri Lankan Twin Registry: 2012 Update.
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Sumathipala, Athula, Siribaddana, Sisira, Hotopf, Mathew, McGuffin, Peter, Glozier, Nick, Ball, Harriet, Kovas, Yulia, Rijsdijk, Fruhling, Yatawara, Lalani, Pariante, Carmine, Zavos, Helena, Siriwardhana, Chesmal, Pannala, Gayani, Jayaweera, Kaushalya, Adikari, Anushka, and Gunewardane, Dinesha
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TWINS ,GENOTYPE-environment interaction ,MENTAL health ,HUMAN genetics ,DISEASE prevalence ,DEVELOPING countries - Abstract
The Sri Lankan Twin Registry (SLTR), established in 1997, is a unique resource for twin and genetic research in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC). It comprises of a volunteer cohort of 14,120 twins (7,060 pairs) and 119 sets of triplets, and a population-based cohort of 19,040 (9,520 pairs) twins and 89 sets of triplets. Several studies have been conducted using this registry, including the Colombo Twin and Singleton Study (CoTaSS 1; 4,387 twins, 2,311 singletons), which have explored the prevalence and heritability of a range of psychiatric disorders as well as gene-environmental interplay. Currently, a follow-up study (CoTaSS 2) of the same cohort is underway, looking at the prevalence and interrelationship of key cardiovascular and metabolic risk markers (e.g., metabolic syndrome). A significant feature of CoTaSS 2 is the establishment of a biobank. Current SLTR work is extending beyond mental health and the interface between mental and physical health to new horizons, extending collaborations with the wider global twin research community. Ethics and governance have been given special emphasis in the initiative. Capacity building and public engagement are two crucial components. Establishment of a state-of-the-art genetic laboratory was a major accomplishment. SLTR is a classic showcase of successful North–South partnership in building a progressive research infrastructure in a LMIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2013
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11. Associations between socioeconomic factors and depression in Sri Lanka: The role of gene-environment interplay.
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Badini, Isabella, Jayaweera, Kaushalya, Pannala, Gayani, Adikari, Anushka, Siribaddana, Sisira, Sumathipala, Athula, McAdams, Tom A., Harber-Aschan, Lisa, Hotopf, Matthew, Rijsdijk, Fruhling V., and Zavos, Helena M.S.
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GENOTYPE-environment interaction , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors , *STANDARD of living , *BECK Depression Inventory , *STRUCTURAL equation modeling , *SELF-poisoning - Abstract
Low socioeconomic status is a risk factor for depression. The nature and magnitude of associations can differ cross-culturally and is influenced by a range of contextual factors. We examined the aetiology of socioeconomic indicators and depression symptoms and investigated whether socioeconomic indicators moderate genetic and environmental influences on depression symptoms in a Sri Lankan population. Data were from a population-based sample of twins (N = 2934) and singletons (N = 1035) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Standard of living, educational attainment, and financial strain were used to index socioeconomic status. Depression symptoms were assessed using the Revised Beck Depression Inventory. Structural equation modelling explored genetic and environmental influences on socioeconomic indicators and depression symptoms and moderation of aetiological influences on depression symptoms by socioeconomic status. Depression symptoms were associated with lower standard of living, lower educational attainment, and financial strain. Sex differences were evident in the aetiology of standard of living, with a small contribution of genetic influences in females. Educational attainment was moderately heritable in both males and females. Total variance in depression was greater among less socioeconomically advantaged individuals. Modest evidence of moderation of the aetiology of depression by standard of living and education was observed. While the sample is representative of individuals living in Colombo District, it may not be representative of different regions of Sri Lanka. The aetiology of depression varies across socioeconomic contexts, suggesting a potential mechanism through which socioeconomic disadvantage increases the risk for depression in Sri Lanka. Findings have implications for cross-cultural investigations of the role of socioeconomic factors in depression and for identifying targets for social interventions. • Higher depression scores were associated with lower standard of living, lower educational attainment, and financial strain • Significant genetic influences were observed for standard of living in females, and for educational attainment in both males and females • Shared and non-shared environmental influences were also apparent for both standard of living and educational attainment • Total variance in depression was greater among less socioeconomically advantaged individuals • The aetiology of depression varies across socioeconomic contexts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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