Document Type

Newsletter

Publication Date

8-2014

Abstract

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1987 and is done in collaboration with various state health departments. PRAMS is a statewide survey that collects valuable information from new mothers to find out why some babies are born healthy and others are not. The PRAMS provides state agencies and the CDC with data so they can monitor changes in maternal and child health indicators such as the prevalence of unintended pregnancy, prenatal care, breastfeeding, and smoking and drinking behaviors. PRAMS data can be used to identify groups of women and children who are at high risk for health problems and to measure the progress of goals that are developed to improve the health of women and children. PRAMS data also can be used by researchers to investigate emerging issues of maternal and child health, by state and local governments to design or review maternal and child health programs and policies, and by state agencies to help plan maternal and child health programs. Currently forty states and New York City participate in the PRAMS, representing approximately 78% of all U.S. live births. The Ethel Austin Martin Program at South Dakota State University, in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Health, is conducting the state’s first-ever statewide PRAMS.

Publication Title

South Dakota Department of Health, Public Health Bulletin

Volume

26

Issue

4

Publisher

South Dakota Department of Health

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