New Jersey PRAMS is a joint research project of the Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Bloustein Center for Survey Research at Rutgers University. Information from PRAMS is used to help plan better health programs for New Jersey mothers and infants and impact Maternal and Child Health policy and practice (See Briefs and Reports for examples of our current focus.) One out of every 50 women giving birth each month is selected for the survey, and more than 70% participate, totaling approximately 1,500 interviews annually. They are asked about their feelings and experiences before, during and after pregnancy. Leading topics include:
Breastfeeding
Cesarean Deliveries
Prenatal care and health insurance
Maternal and infant health care
Maternal smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy
Influenza Vaccination
Infant sleep position and other SIDS risk factors
Pre-conception health and pregnancy intention
NJ-PRAMS is supervised by the Maternal and Child Epidemiology Program at DOH. Activities include:
Determination of questionnaire content
Management of the sampling process
Data management and analysis
Dissemination of results among state government and private sector programs
Education of families and health care providers on determinants of a healthy pregnancy
PRAMS data from New Jersey and other states may be accessed on-line through the cPONDER system at CDC (interactive cross-tabulations).
PRAMS Contact:
Ingrid Morton, Program Manager MCH Epidemiology, FHS, NJDOH
PO Box 364, Trenton, NJ 08625-0364
Tel: 609-292-5656 Email:
NJ-PRAMS Chart Book is a comprehensive resource for quick communications, grant preparation and program management. There are 33 items summarizing access to healthcare, healthy pregnancy and postpartum outcomes, presented with decade-long trends and sociodemographic breakouts. The data tables [xls] are in Excel for easy graphing; there is an accompanying Glossary & Resource List [pdf].
Data Briefs present the latest PRAMS survey data on specific issues, to inform service providers and policy makers. Each brief describes an "Agenda for Action" for improved healthcare services, and links to other resources.
Cesarean Delivery and Maternal Choice
Preferences expressed by new mothers about cesarean delivery, and their impact on actual deliveries. Collaboration with NJ Hospital Association, Institute for Quality and Patient Safety
Breastfeeding In New Jersey
Prevalence of breastfeeding through the first eight weeks of life. Collaboration with New Jersey WIC Services.
Births from Unintended Pregnancy
Prevalence of unintended pregnancy among live births; maternal and newborn health risks associated with unintended pregnancy.(May 2008)
Screening for HIV in Pregnancy
Prenatal HIV counseling and testing for HIV: guidelines and adherence. Collaboration with the Division of HIV/AIDS Services. (April 2008)
Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy
Smoking cessation behavior of recent mothers in New Jersey and utilization of state services. Collaboration with the New Jersey Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program and Mom's Quit Connection.
Smoking and Pregnancy
Prevalence of smoking before, during and after pregnancy. Collaboration with the New Jersey Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program (CTCP).
Newborn Sleeping Position and SIDS Risk
Prevalence of risk factors related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Collaboration with the SIDS Center of New Jersey.
Health Insurance and Healthy Pregnancy
Coverage of prenatal care and delivery by private health insurance and NJ FamilyCare. Also examines insurance-related disparities for various perinatal health outcomes. (Dec 2006)
Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy
Prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy, social and behavioral risk factors and calls for universal screening for all pregnant women. Collaboration with UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School.
Pre-Pregnancy Weight Status and Pregnancy Weight Gain
Compliance with IOM recommendations for pregnancy weight gain according to pre-pregnancy weight; risk factors and perinatal complications. Collaboration with New Jersey WIC services.
PRAMS data from New Jersey and other states may be accessed on-line through the cPONDER system at CDC (interactive cross-tabulations).
PRAMS Methodology
NJ-PRAMS questionnaire [English pdf 334k] [Español pdf 366k]
NJ-PRAMS Project Director:
Lakota K. Kruse, MD MPH, Medical Director, Division of Family Health Services
New Jersey Department of Health
PO Box 364, Trenton, NJ 08625-0364.
Tel: 609-292-5656. E-mail:
lakota.kruse@doh.state.nj.us
