Effective communication and distribution of maternal health data: Creating the District of Columbia's inaugural Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) chart book

Full Description: The District of Columbia’s (DC) Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) is conducted under the Center for Policy, Planning and Evaluation at DC Health, in conjunction with a data collection team at Rutgers University. DC provides an important addition to the CDC PRAMS database due to its unique maternal and birthing population demographics and its ward system. We set out to create an inaugural chartbook to report on 2019 data, which were eligible for publication for the first time since the study’s initiation, according to the CDC’s response rate threshold of 50%. Taking lessons from other states and DC Health’s own experience with the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we developed a framework for publishing PRAMS data in a readily accessible format.

PRAMS data collection begins with taking a sample of DC resident births each month. The survey is then conducted with participants through mail or over the phone. Annual survey results and full vital records are sent to the CDC, who return the weighted results dataset. Using SAS, we conducted prevalence analyses by dividing survey questions into 14 areas, according to CDC-identified core and standard topics. We then created data tables by topic with weighted frequencies, weighted percentages, and 95% confidence intervals.

A main goal during this creative process was to include clear and well-designed visuals alongside our data tables. We identified five overall maternal demographic areas (race/ethnicity, healthcare type, age group, highest attained education, and birth ward), along with three core topics (breastfeeding, prenatal care in the first trimester, and infant safe sleeping environment), to create infographics for using Tableau. For each core topic, we stratified data by race/ethnicity, healthcare type, age group, and birth ward.

Results from our analysis and final chartbook present several findings that demonstrate the strengths of DC’s health system, as well as areas in which MCH is currently lacking. Attendees will learn about our processes in developing the chartbook that they could apply in their state/jurisdiction. In addition, this poster will be relevant for family leaders because it presents guidance on distributing maternal health data at a state level. It has become clear that the transparency of health data plays a major role in moving towards equitable outcomes, especially in the realm of maternal health. DC is home to a large population of Black mothers, who often experience poorer health outcomes compared to mothers of any other racial/ethnic group. In addition, DC’s ward system is not only geographic, but also political. The wards that more Black mothers live in are the same wards that experience worse maternal health conditions. We must work towards shaping and improving future maternal and child health outcomes by not only showing our data, but also developing and utilizing the tools to translate and communicate effectively to drive change.

Abbreviated Description: This poster session will explore the importance of health data communication by diving into the process of making an inaugural chartbook to report on DC PRAMS data. Results from our final product present several findings that demonstrate the strengths of DC’s health system, as well as areas in which MCH is currently lacking. Attendees will learn about our processes in developing the chartbook that they could apply in their state/jurisdiction. In addition, this poster will be relevant for family leaders because it presents guidance on distributing maternal health data at a state level. It has become clear that the transparency of health data plays a major role in moving towards equitable outcomes, especially in the realm of maternal health.