Gorski-Steiner I, Bandeen-Roche K, Volk HE, O'Dell S, Schwartz BS. The association of unconventional natural gas development with diagnosis and treatment of internalizing disorders among adolescents in Pennsylvania using electronic health records.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022;
212:113167. [PMID:
35341757 PMCID:
PMC9233008 DOI:
10.1016/j.envres.2022.113167]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) introduces physical and psychosocial hazards into communities, which could contribute to psychosocial stress in adolescents and an increased risk of internalizing disorders, common and impactful health outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate associations between a 180-day composite UNGD activity metric and new onset of internalizing disorders, overall and separately for anxiety and depressive disorders, and effect modification by sex.
METHODS
We used a nested case-control design from 2008 to 2016 in 38 Pennsylvania counties using electronic health records from adolescent Geisinger subjects. Cases were defined by at least two diagnoses or medication orders indicating new onset of an internalizing disorder, and controls frequency-matched 4:1 on age, sex, and year. To evaluate associations, we used generalized estimating equations, with logit link, robust standard errors, and an exchangeable correlation structure within community.
RESULTS
We identified 7,974 adolescents (65.9% female, mean age 15.0 years) with new onset internalizing disorders. There were no associations when we used data from the entire study period. When restricted to years with higher UNGD activity (2010-2016), comparing the highest to lowest quartile, UNGD activity was associated (odds ratio [95% confidence level]) with new onset internalizing disorders (1.15 [1.06, 1.25]). Associations were slightly stronger for depressive disorders. Associations were only present in females (p = 0.009).
DISCUSSION
This is the first epidemiologic study of UNGD in relation to adolescent mental health, an important health outcome in a potentially susceptible group to the environmental and community impacts of UNGD. UNGD activity was associated with new onset internalizing disorders in females in this large sample in an area of active UNGD.
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