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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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Published on: March 2, 2017
PennTwins: a population-based cohort for twin studies
Emil F Coccaro1, Kristen C Jacobson
1Clinical Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. ecoccaro@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu
Summary
The PennTwins Cohort, a large twin registry, was created using population-based methods. Analysis confirms the sample is demographically representative of the general twin population despite a low response rate.
Area of Science:
- Twin Studies
- Population Genetics
- Demography
Background:
- Twin registries are valuable resources for genetic and epidemiological research.
- Establishing a representative sample is crucial for the validity of cohort studies.
- The PennTwins Cohort aimed to create a large, population-based twin registry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the creation and demographic composition of the PennTwins Cohort.
- To assess the representativeness of the cohort sample compared to the target population.
- To evaluate potential biases related to recruitment and twin pair status.
Main Methods:
- Population-based ascertainment of twins born in Pennsylvania (1959-1978).
- Data collection included demographic information, zygosity, and twin pair status.
- Comparison of cohort participants with non-responders and unregistered co-twins using GeoCode data.
Main Results:
- The PennTwins Cohort comprises 9401 twins (ages 28-47), including 2225 confirmed pairs.
- Zygosity data identified 919 monozygotic and 1079 dizygotic pairs.
- Minimal demographic differences were observed between participants and non-participants, and across twin pair statuses and zygosity.
Conclusions:
- The PennTwins Cohort is a demographically representative sample despite a 12% response rate.
- The findings support the generalizability of research using the PennTwins Cohort.
- The study demonstrates the feasibility of creating population-based twin registries.
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