Component A (Core Surveillance): Connecticut Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)

Connecticut State Dept Of Public Health, Hartford CT

Investigators

Abstract

Project Abstract The Connecticut (CT) Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is designed to provide the Department of Public Health (DPH) with important data about maternal health, experiences, and behaviors during the perinatal period; advance knowledge about risk and protective factors among CT mothers; and investigate the associations between these factors and birth outcomes and maternal and infant health. Random samples are drawn from birth records on a monthly basis. The sampling frame is limited to CT resident women who delivered an infant in‐state within the preceding 2‐6 months. Reducing racial and ethnic health disparities is central to all DPH programs and initiatives. The sample is stratified by maternal race/ethnicity in order to produce separate estimates for population subgroups, and to allow for meaningful comparisons to quantify and investigate disparities in perinatal indicators. Data collection for each surveillance year spans 15 months, with a total sample size of approximately 2,200 women. PRAMS employs a mixed‐mode data collection methodology that includes a mail questionnaire with several follow‐up attempts, followed by a telephone survey for mail non‐responders. CT PRAMS data will be integrated into efforts to address state maternal and child health priorities, as well as statewide plans and initiatives to reduce low birth weight, preterm birth, infant mortality, and health disparities. Statewide partners will be utilized to inform the project and facilitate wide dissemination of CT PRAMS findings.