An evaluation of the All of Us Research Program database to examine cumulative stress

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the NIH All of Us Research Program database as a potential data source for studying allostatic load and stress among adults in the United States (US). Materials and Methods We evaluated the All of Us database to determine sample size significance for original-10 allostatic load biomarkers, Allostatic Load Index-5 (ALI-5), Allostatic Load Five, and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). We conducted a priori, post hoc, and sensitivity power analyses to determine sample sizes for conducting null hypothesis significance tests. Results The maximum number of responses available for each measure is 21 participants for the original-10 allostatic load biomarkers, 150 for the ALI-5, 22 476 for Allostatic Load Five, and n = 90 583 for the PSS. Discussion The NIH All of Us Research Program is well-suited for studying allostatic load using the Allostatic Load Five and psychological stress using PSS. Conclusion Improving biomarker data collection in All of Us will facilitate more nuanced examinations of allostatic load among US adults.