Japanese Database of Families with Twins and Higher-Order Multiples

Abstract

To gain widespread participation, epidemiologic studies of twins from pregnancy through the childhood period are expected to reflect the needs and concerns of families and provide participants with appropriate and useful feedback based on scientific evidence. Our most recent database on families with twins throughout Japan is based on a questionnaire survey conducted from January 2010 to August 2011. Mailed or hand-delivered questionnaires, consisting of over 550 items were used to collect the basic data. The response rate was 40% (956/2,401). This is part of a nation-wide study designed to assess the long-term effect of perinatal conditions on mothers of multiples. Its aim was to study the growth and development of multiples in childhood, and to conduct a genetic epidemiologic study to test the developmental origin of health and disease hypothesis. One of the ultimate aims of this research was to provide evidence-based information on parenting multiples from pregnancy through childhood to families with multiples.