Reproductive Health Surveillance in the US-Mexico Border Region
Author Information
Author(s): McDonald Jill A, Johnson Christopher H, Smith Ruben, Folger Suzanne G, Chavez Ana L, Mishra Ninad, Hernández Jiménez Antonio, MacDonald Linda R, Hernández Rodríguez Jorge Sebastián, Villalobos Susie Ann
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Can a hospital-based sampling and postpartum interviewing approach effectively gather reproductive health data in the US-Mexico border region?
Conclusion
The study found that hospital-based sampling and postpartum interviewing is an effective method for reproductive health surveillance.
Supporting Evidence
- 95% of the sampled women completed interviews.
- The study included 92.7% of live births in Matamoros and 98.3% in Cameron County.
- Hospital participation was 100% throughout the study period.
- The overall response rate among women sampled was 94.8%.
Takeaway
The researchers talked to new moms in hospitals to learn about their health, and they found a good way to gather important health information.
Methodology
The study used a stratified, systematic cluster-sampling design to sample women giving birth in hospitals over an 81-day period.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from noncoverage of the target population and lack of privacy during interviews may have affected data validity.
Limitations
The study was conducted over a short period, limiting the ability to assess long-term stability and generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants were women who gave birth in hospitals in Matamoros, Mexico, and Cameron County, Texas.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website