Identifying twins for a population-based register can be achieved through birth records or community surveys. We studied the feasibility and effectiveness of different methods of identifying and recruiting twins to establish a population based register.
Category: Publication
Commitment against obstacles and basic knowledge was vital, but books and journals were a scarcity. This demanded networking with experienced twin researchers. A partnership model for collaboration was used for mutual scientific benefits but not for economically cheaper research in the developing world. Forming a multi-disciplinary team was essential, but for locals twin research was new. Funding was hardest without prior twin research.
Population based twin registers are not common outside Scandinavia, particularly in the developing world. Sri Lanka has a 98% accuracy of birth registration. However only since 1992 these records have been computerized at the Central Birth Registration Department including the details of the twin births. These details are complete only up to 1997.
To expand the National Twin Registry of Sri Lanka to a population based register, we examined the feasibility of tracing older twins by inspecting birth records and recruiting them by postal invitation and in-person contact.
Annual Scientific Sessions, Sri Lanka Medical Association
Nearly all twin registers are based in developed countries and there is no twin register in the developing world. Our objectives were to initiate the process of establishing a nationwide twin register in Sri Lanka by starting a volunteer register first and working towards a population-based register. Regular newspaper advertisements, feature articles, radio talks, and television programmes were used to publicise a competition for twins, their parents/relatives and friends requesting them to participate by sending in details of twins.
We report the process of adaptation into Sinhala of a questionnaire given to mothers of twins to determine zygosity. Adaptation and validation was carried out in three stages. Firstly, we used a nominal group to translate the English version and to assess the extent of agreement (consensus measurement) on the appropriateness of the translation and resolve disagreement (consensus development)
Annual Scientific Sessions, Sri Lanka Medical Association
Proceedings of the Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Medical Association.
Nearly all Twin Registers are based in developed countries and there is no Twin Register in the developing world.
Objectives
To initiate the process of establishing a nation-wide Twin Register in Sri Lanka by starting a volunteer register first and working towards a population based register.