Lauren Christiansen-Lindquist1, Kashika Sahay2, Carol J R Hogue2. 1. Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Electronic address: lchris4@emory.edu. 2. Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: In the United States, stillbirths (fetal deaths ≥ 20 weeks' gestation) are now more common than infant deaths. Nationally available data are limited, and little is known about women's experiences around the time of a loss. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a state-based survey of women with a recent live birth, could be expanded to include women who experienced a stillbirth. We aimed to determine whether women with a recent stillbirth would be amenable to a PRAMS-like survey. METHODS: Eligible women were Georgia residents aged ≥18 years with a reported stillbirth from December 1, 2012-February 28, 2013 identified through fetal death certificates. Women received a handwritten sympathy card, followed by a mailed questionnaire about their health and experiences around the time of the loss. Nonresponders received two additional mailings and up to three phone calls. RESULTS: During the study period, 149 eligible women had a reported stillbirth. Forty-nine (33%) women responded. Excluding women with invalid contact information (n = 26) yields an adjusted response rate of 40%. Response differed by race and/or ethnicity, but not by fetal, delivery, or other maternal characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Women appear willing to respond to a survey regarding a recent stillbirth. Further studies of the expansion of PRAMS to include stillbirth are warranted.
PURPOSE: In the United States, stillbirths (fetal deaths ≥ 20 weeks' gestation) are now more common than infant deaths. Nationally available data are limited, and little is known about women's experiences around the time of a loss. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a state-based survey of women with a recent live birth, could be expanded to include women who experienced a stillbirth. We aimed to determine whether women with a recent stillbirth would be amenable to a PRAMS-like survey. METHODS: Eligible women were Georgia residents aged ≥18 years with a reported stillbirth from December 1, 2012-February 28, 2013 identified through fetal death certificates. Women received a handwritten sympathy card, followed by a mailed questionnaire about their health and experiences around the time of the loss. Nonresponders received two additional mailings and up to three phone calls. RESULTS: During the study period, 149 eligible women had a reported stillbirth. Forty-nine (33%) women responded. Excluding women with invalid contact information (n = 26) yields an adjusted response rate of 40%. Response differed by race and/or ethnicity, but not by fetal, delivery, or other maternal characteristics. CONCLUSIONS:Women appear willing to respond to a survey regarding a recent stillbirth. Further studies of the expansion of PRAMS to include stillbirth are warranted.
Authors: Holly B Shulman; Denise V D'Angelo; Leslie Harrison; Ruben A Smith; Lee Warner Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2018-08-23 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Lauren Christiansen-Lindquist; Robert M Silver; Corette B Parker; Donald J Dudley; Matthew A Koch; Uma M Reddy; George R Saade; Robert L Goldenberg; Carol J R Hogue Journal: Ann Epidemiol Date: 2017-07-20 Impact factor: 3.797
Authors: Carla L DeSisto; Nicole Stone; Barbara Algarin; Laurie Baksh; Ada Dieke; Denise V D'Angelo; Leslie Harrison; Lee Warner; Holly B Shulman Journal: Public Health Rep Date: 2021-03-05 Impact factor: 2.792