Initial Participation Survey for Twins
In order to invite twins to become members of the UW Twin Registry, we have developed an invitation packet, which includes an information sheet and a brief survey. The survey collects relevant information on physical and psychological health, sociodemographics, and self-reported zygosity (whether a pair is identical or fraternal). This invitation packet is mailed to all twins 18 years of age and older who are identified to us from the Washington State Department of Licensing.
The information statement gives potential participants more information about what is involved in becoming a Registry member. For example, Registry members agree to be contacted in the future to take part in specific twin studies and to receive periodic newsletters to update them on the UW Twin Registry studies and projects. As with all of our research projects, becoming a Registry member or participating in a specific twin study is voluntary and all of the information collected for the Registry or any studies are confidential.
The initial survey is a brief questionnaire to collect basic information about which twin pairs are identical and which are fraternal demographic characteristics, and general health. Because a twin registry is most useful when both members of a twin pair participate, we also ask the twins to discuss the UW Twin Registry with their co-twins and with their permission, give us the co-twins’ contact information so that we can invite them to participate as well.
Who is in the UW Twin Registry?
Our massive recruitment effort to establish the UW Twin Registry began in June 2002, when we mailed the invitation packet to more than 10,000 twins. Since then we have continued to enroll twin pairs, refine our recruitment strategies, and generate interest in the Registry. So far, more than 2000 twin pairs are members of the UW Twin Registry. All members of the Registry are adults and fluent in English. One twin has lived in Washington State at some time, and both twins live in the U.S. The twins in the Registry are 53% identical, 39% fraternal, and 8% whose zygosity cannot yet be determined. About half of the members are female-female pairs. On average, the twins are 34 years old, 58% have some education beyond high school, 38% are married, and 86% are White. Overall, the UW Twin Registry consists of relatively young twins who are eager to participate in research studies.
