TITLE OF RESEARCH PROJECT: ESTABLISHMENT OF A FUNCTIONAL TWIN REGISTER FOR SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIAN TWINS

INTRODUCTION:

A twin registry is a database of information about twins, which is often maintained on a country-wide level or by a university or other research institution. Twin registries all around the world exist in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Australia, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom. Nigeria does not have easily accessible registry for twins and find it difficult to continue long term twin studies for the benefits of twin. Twin studies are a special type of studies designed to measure the contribution of genetics as opposed to the environment, to a given trait. There can be an added advantage if twins are followed up over longer duration of time in to assess the development of adult-onset traits and conditions. Furthermore, in combination with molecular genetics, information about the presence or absence of specific genetic variants to determine the impact on the trait of interest can be explored.

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH:

The purpose of this study is to establish and manage a publicly accessible twin information to be hosted by Bowen University and managed by the Twin Research Group. The information will include height, weight, other body measurements, lifestyle, income, diet and other health information.

PROCEDURE FOR PARTICIPATION:

If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to sign this form showing that you understand the study. After that;

1. You will answer some questions like your age, sex, ethnic group, your height and weight measurement would be taken. Your fingerprint will be collected.
2. You will answer questions about your income, job/employment, eating habit, lifestyle habit, physical activity, medical history, quality of life, emotion, and personality
3. A small amount of blood (3-5 ml quantity) will be drawn from your vein as done in regular tests that use blood and also you will be asked to spit into a test tube for salivary content.
4. You will be available at a later date for a follow up to check on your health and progress

The blood or saliva will be used to confirm your blood group and genotype

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

In the course of this study, you may receive consultations and counselling for health conditions that you may be experiencing. Additionally, your participation will enable the study to provide conclusions which may be useful for making healthcare decisions and policy for twins and others in Nigeria.

POTENTIAL RISKS AND INCONVENIENCES:

No major risks are expected with this study except for the normal little discomfort experienced during blood draw.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

All information obtained in this study will be given code numbers and no name will be recorded. This cannot be linked to you in anyway and your name or identifier will not be used in any publication or report from this study.

WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE:

You are free to decide not to participate in this study. If you decide to participate, you will be required to sign this consent form. After you decide to participate, you may withdraw at any time. You will not pay or be paid any money for taking part in the study.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS WHEN THE RESEARCH IS OVER:

A report of the research outcome will be published. The information without your name or other personal details will also be available on the Bowen Twin Registry for researchers to access. There is no conflict of interest whatsoever.

QUESTIONS:

Please take time to read this form and understand it. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want for more explanations of the procedures involved. Your signature on this form means that you have agreed to participate in the study.

STATEMENT OF PERSON OBTAINING INFORMED CONSENT:

I have fully explained this research to the respondent and have provided sufficient information including the risks and benefits to make an informed decision.

_______________________________

Signature of Investigator Date

STATEMENT OF PERSON GIVING CONSENT:

I have read this consent form and confirm that my questions have been answered satisfactorily.

I have decided that I will participate in this research study and may freely stop at any time. I have received a copy of this consent form to keep for myself.

Principal Investigator’s Contact:

Dr Utom-Obong Akpan (Ph. D.)
Department of Anatomy
College of Health Science, Bowen University Iwo.
Mobile Phone No: 08131841061
E-mail: utom-obong.akpan@bowen.edu.ng