PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System)

Hours

Work: Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Interview: Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM;
Evenings and Weekends: by Appointment.

Contact Information

Phone: 1 (670) 234-8951 ext. 2723 or 1 (670) 236-8723/2723
Email: cnmiprams@chcc.health

Improve the health of mothers and babies in the CNMI by reducing the risk of adverse birth outcomes like low birthweight, preterm birth, as well as infant and maternal morbidity and mortality

A population-based survey that uses a mixed-mode approach, including mail, phone, and web to survey all CNMI mothers who have recently given birth, utilizing a stratified sampling method. A sample is drawn by the Health Vital Statistics Office (HVSO) every 1st of the month, which is then processed through the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) by PRAMS staff. Once the sample is cleaned, it is uploaded into the PRAMS Integrated Data Collection System (PIDS) on the 15th, with each birth record typically being 2 to 3 months old. Data collection occurs over a maximum of 95 days, following a structured schedule for mailing and phone, as detailed in the table below. The web option is introduced at the beginning of the pre-letter, allowing mothers to complete the survey at their convenience. Throughout the period, mothers receive two mailing packets with opportunities to mail back responses or drop them at designated drop boxes. PRAMS staff are trained to conduct telephone interviews using a standardized script, with calls scheduled during regular business hours and by appointment in the evenings and at weekends to maximize participation. Mothers who participate receive a reward as a token of appreciation. All responses are kept completely private and are aggregated to provide insights into the health and well-being of CNMI mothers and babies. The collected data are intended to inform efforts to improve healthcare services and guide programs and policies for women and children in the CNMI.

Data Collection Schedule
Pre-letter Day 1
First Questionnaire Day 5
Tickler (reminder) Day 15
Second Questionnaire Day 29
Telephone Day 55
End data collection Day 95

1. What is PRAMS?
- PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System) is a joint research project between the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our purpose is to find out why some babies are born healthy, and others are not. To do this, our questionnaire asks new mothers questions about their behaviors and experiences around the time of their pregnancy. Each year in the CNMI there are hundreds of babies born with serious health problems. Many of these babies die. We need your help to find out why. No matter how your pregnancy went, your answers will help us learn more about ways to improve the chances for future mothers and babies in the CNMI.
2. Will my answers be kept private?
- Yes, all answers are kept completely private and will only be used to answer questions related to the purpose of this study. All answers given on the questionnaires will be grouped together to give us information on CNMI mothers of new babies. In reports from this survey, no woman will be identified by name.
3. Is it really important that I answer these questions?
- Yes! Because of the small number of mothers picked, it is important to have everyone's answers. Every pregnancy is different. To get a better overall picture of the health of mothers and babies in the CNMI, we need each mother selected to answer the questions. From the information you give us, we may be able to improve health care for women and children in the CNMI. We need to know what went right as well as what went wrong during your pregnancy. Your help is really important to the success of our program.
3. Is it really important that I answer these questions?
- Yes! Because of the small number of mothers picked, it is important to have everyone's answers. Every pregnancy is different. To get a better overall picture of the health of mothers and babies in the CNMI, we need each mother selected to answer the questions. From the information you give us, we may be able to improve health care for women and children in the CNMI. We need to know what went right as well as what went wrong during your pregnancy. Your help is really important to the success of our program.
4. Some of the questions do not seem related to health care�why are they asked?
- Many things in a mother's life may affect her pregnancy. These questions try to get the best picture of the new mother's health care and things that happened to her during pregnancy.
5. How was I chosen to participate in PRAMS?
- All new mothers who are residents of the CNMI are picked from the state or jurisdiction birth certificate registry. You are one of a small number of women who were chosen to help us in this study.
6. What if I want to ask more questions about PRAMS?
- Please call us at our number (670) 236-8723, and we will be happy to answer any other questions that you may have about PRAMS. If you prefer to complete the questionnaire over the telephone, please call us on the same number.