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PRAMS Data Collection

Methodology

PRAMS uses a standardized data collection methodology developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each state conducting PRAMS uses the same methodology, but can adapt the procedures to meet the needs of the state.

Survey Data Collection

Women selected to participate in PRAMS are mailed a letter describing PRAMS and its purpose followed by a written questionnaire packet. The questionnaire packet includes a letter encouraging the mother to respond and informs her that she will have a chance of winning one of two $50 gift certificates if she responds within four weeks. (Two winners are selected from about 100 women who return the completed survey for each batch). A reminder letter is sent 10 days after the initial packet to encourage mothers to respond or to thank mothers who have responded. If needed, a second packet is mailed to the sampled mothers who have not responded 14 days after the reminder letter. Telephone follow-up is begun if mothers have not responded 14 days after the second questionnaire packet. All written materials are available in Spanish and English. Spanish materials are sent along with English materials to mothers identified as Hispanic on the birth certificate. Telephone interviews are also conducted in Spanish and English.

Questionnaires

The PRAMS written questionnaire is 14 pages long and estimated to take about 20 minutes to complete. It covers several priority topics, including:

Birth control and pregnancy intention
Availability and quality of prenatal care
Maternal health
Patterns of smoking and alcohol use
WIC participation
Breastfeeding
Infant health and care
Physical abuse
Folic acid use
Education by health care provider
Safety
Stress and social support

Periodically, the PRAMS questionnaire has been modified to reflect changes in state and federal priorities. The 2000-2003 data in the PRAMS Web Query come from responses to the Phase 4 version of the PRAMS questionnaire. The Phase 4 questionnaire may be viewed at PRAMS Survey 4 (81KB PDF). The Phase 5 version of the PRAMS questionnaire began with the January 2004 births and was used through December 2008. The Phase 5 questionnaire may be viewed at PRAMS Survey 5 (60KB PDF). Now available is Phase 6 of the survey and can be viewed at PRAMS Survey 6 (60KB PDF).

For more detailed description of the PRAMS methodology, click here http://www.cdc.gov/prams/methodology.htm.

Limitations

PRAMS data are self-reported by new mothers and may be subject to potential sources of error. Women may not recall events prior to or during the early part of their pregnancies. In addition, they may be hesitant to report on behaviors perceived to be unhealthy. We do not know the extent to which such errors may be occurring in these data.

Unless otherwise noted, all materials and forms on this page are in PDF format.

Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health.