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How can PRAMS Survey Response Rates be Improved Among American Indian Mothers? Data from 10 States

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Abstract

Objectives To examine the low response rates to the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey for American Indian (AI) mothers by comparing characteristics of AI participants, AI non-participants, non-Hispanic White (NHW) participants, and NHW non-participants. Methods We analyzed 2000–2002 data from states whose population was at least 5% AI or Alaska Native (AN) (n = 10). Mothers who returned a questionnaire (regardless of completion) or who spoke by telephone with PRAMS personnel were defined as contacts. Mothers who completed a PRAMS questionnaire were defined as respondents. We described overall and state-specific maternal characteristics from birth certificates for both those who were contacted and those not contacted and computed contact and response rates. Results Contact rates varied by state, ranging from 49% to 92% for AI and AN mothers and 82–93% for NHW mothers. However, once contacted, most mothers completed a questionnaire (85–99%). Both AI and NHW mothers were less likely to be contacted if they were <29 years of age, unmarried, multiparous and had ≤12 years of education. Conclusions Recognized predictors of response to PRAMS surveys were similar for AI and NHW mothers. Although contact rates among AI mothers were low when compared to whites, both AI and NHW mothers who were successfully contacted had high participation rates. Ultimately, evidence from states with high response rates for AI suggests that successful efforts will require experience and may be state-specific. In addition, increased state and tribal collaboration may facilitate improved PRAMS contact and response rates among AI.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Anne Marie Jukic who led the development of the study proposal while she was a MPH student at Emory University participating in a work-study program with CDC. We would also like to thank the PRAMS Working Group: Alabama—Albert Woolbright, PhD; Alaska—Kathy Perham-Hester, MS, MPH; Arkansas—Mary McGehee, PhD; Colorado—Alyson Shupe, PhD; Florida—Helen Marshall; Georgia—Carol Hoban, MS, MPH; Hawaii—Limin Song, MPH, CHES; Illinois—Theresa Sandidge, MA; Louisiana—Joan Wightkin; Maine—Kim Haggan; Maryland—Diana Cheng, MD; Michigan—Yasmina Bouraoui, MPH; Minnesota—Jan Jernell; Mississippi—Linda Pendleton, LMSW; Montana—JoAnn Dotson; Nebraska—Jennifer Severe-Oforah; New Jersey—Lakota Kruse, MD; New Mexico—Ssu Weng, MD, MPH; New York State—Anne Radigan-Garcia; New York City—Candace Mulready-Ward, MPH; North Carolina—Paul Buescher, PhD; North Dakota—Sandra Anseth, RN; Ohio—Amy Davis; Oklahoma—Dick Lorenz; Oregon—Ken Rosenberg, MD, MPH; Rhode Island—Sam Viner-Brown; South Carolina—Jim Ferguson, DrPH; Texas—Tanya J. Guthrie, PhD; Utah—Laurie Baksh; Vermont—Peggy Brozicevic; Washington—Linda Lohdefinck; West Virginia—Melissa Baker, MA; CDC PRAMS Team, Applied Sciences Branch, Division of Reproductive Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, MS K-23, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA

    Shin Y. Kim, Myra Tucker, Melissa Danielson, Christopher H. Johnson & Holly Shulman

  2. Office of Strategy and Innovation, Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA

    Pelagie Snesrud

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  1. Shin Y. Kim
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  2. Myra Tucker
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  3. Melissa Danielson
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  4. Christopher H. Johnson
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  5. Pelagie Snesrud
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  6. Holly Shulman
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Correspondence to Shin Y. Kim.

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The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Kim, S.Y., Tucker, M., Danielson, M. et al. How can PRAMS Survey Response Rates be Improved Among American Indian Mothers? Data from 10 States. Matern Child Health J 12 (Suppl 1), 119–125 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-008-0334-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-008-0334-4

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