The association between victimization and inflammation: a meta-analysis

Chen, X.-Y., Chan, K. L., Lo, C. K.M., Ho, F. K., Leung, W. C. and Ip, P. (2023) The association between victimization and inflammation: a meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 323, pp. 108-122. (doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.063) (PMID:36435395)

Abstract

Background: To meta-analyze the existing studies examining the association of childhood and adulthood victimization with inflammation and to explore the moderating variables that affect these relationships. Methods: Relevant work published before 28th February 2021 was identified by searching five major databases. We analyzed the cross-sectional data extracted from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies using the random-effects model to estimate the correlation (r) as the pooled effect size and further conducted subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses. Results: A total of 37 articles finally met the inclusion criteria, including studies for C-reactive protein (CRP) (k = 23; NCRP = 11,780), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (k = 31; NIL-6 = 8943), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (k = 14; NTNF-α = 4125). Overall, victimization has a significantly positive association with inflammation, with a small effect size (r = 0.122). Specifically, effect sizes were the largest for TNF-a (r = 0.152), followed by IL-6 (r = 0.119), and CRP (r = 0.084). Additionally, the effect sizes for victimization against children were r = 0.145 (k = 6) for childhood victimization - childhood inflammation, and r = 0.139 (k = 27) for childhood victimization - adulthood inflammation, which appear to be larger than that of victimization against adults (r = 0.039; k = 2). Limitations: Only a small number of studies on adult victimization were included. In addition, we only analyzed the cross-sectional relationship and did not have sufficient data to compare different types of victimization and single vs. multiple victimizations. Conclusions: Victimization is associated with a heightened inflammatory response. As victimization against children may have a stronger effect than victimization against adults, prevention of victimization targeting the childhood period may be necessary. Studies with more robust methodologies (i.e., representative, longitudinal, and multi-country designs) are needed to confirm these findings and to unpack the underlying mechanisms.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ho, Dr Frederick
• Authors: Chen, X.-Y., Chan, K. L., Lo, C. K.M., Ho, F. K., Leung, W. C., and Ip, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: Journal of Affective Disorders
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0165-0327
• ISSN (Online): 1573-2517
• Published Online: 24 November 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V.
• First Published: First published in Journal of Affective Disorders 323: 108-122
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy