Co designing evidence based resources for the twin and family community

Project Details

We seek to improve the lives of multiple-birth families by undertaking research of particular relevance to them, nurturing community connection, providing evidence-based resources, and advocating on their behalf. Twins, multiples and their families face significant challenges during pregnancy, birth and early life, placing long-term pressure on the whole family.


Twins and multiples are much more likely to be born pre-term (64%) compared to singletons (7%). The proportion of babies born with low birthweight is also higher amongst twins (54%) and multiples (98%), while remaining only at 5% in normal pregnancies. Therefore, their median length of stay in hospital is remarkably different: 6, 30 and 3 days respectively.


This project aims to inform future research, public discussion and policy-making on the social and health inequalities faced by twins, multiples and their families. It will provide pathways for engagement between researchers, clinicians and parent organisations, to develop a white paper with contributions from a variety of experts in each of those stakeholder groups, providing a space for collective learning and sharing of knowledge specific to the Australian context.

For further information visit www.twins.org.au

Researchers

Prof John Hopper, Director and Unit Lead
Lucas Calais Ferreira, Reseach Assistant and PhD student
Jenny Boadle, TRA Manager

Collaborators

Australian Multiple Birth Association

Funding

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence Grant

Research Outcomes

Hopper, J. L., Foley D. et al (2013). "Australian Twin Registry: 30 years of progress." Twin Res Hum Genet 16(1): 34-42.

Cutler, T., Murphy, K., Hopper, J., Keogh, L., Dai, Y., & Craig, J. (2015). "Why Accurate Knowledge Of Zygosity Is Important to Twins". Twin Research and Human Genetics, 18(3): 298-305.

Research Group

Twins Research Australia



Faculty Research Themes

Child Health

School Research Themes

Disparities, disadvantage and effective health care



Key Contact

For further information about this research, please contact the research group leader.

Department / Centre

Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics

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