2023/09/21 by Olakunle Oginni, Olakunle Ayokunmi Oginni, Ayoyinka Ayorinde +5 · 3 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · Neuroscience · Nursing · Psychology · #Autism Spectrum Disorder Research #Biology #Cognitive Abilities and Testing #Computer science #Data collection #Diversity (politics) #Evolutionary biology #Genetic Associations and Epidemiology #Health psychology #Medicine #Mental health #Nursing #Political science #Psychiatry #Psychology #Public health #Scope (computer science) #Social science #Sociology #Twin cities #Twin study
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s10519-023-10153-y
published in Behavior Genetics 54(1), 42-50 (Springer Science+Business Media)
openalex publication_date 2023/09/21 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
The recent interest in increasing diversity in genetic research can be useful in uncovering novel insights into the genetic architecture of mental health disorders - globally and in previously unexplored settings such as low- and middle-income settings like Nigeria. Genetic research into mental health is potentially promising in Nigeria and we reflect on the challenges and opportunities for twin research which may be particularly suited to Nigeria. The higher rates of twinning in Africa and Nigeria specifically, make the twin design an affordable and readily maintainable approach for genetic research in the country. Despite potential challenges with recruitment, data collection, data analysis and dissemination; the success of current efforts suggest that the twin design can tapped even further for greater impact in the country. We highlight some ways in which the scope of twin research can be increased and suggest some ways in which existing challenges can be overcome including recent Patient Participant Involve and Engagement activities.