Women's Perspectives on Factors Influencing Florida Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Response.

OBJECTIVES

To inform updates to the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) design and processes, African American/Black and Hispanic/Latina women in Florida provided feedback on their awareness and perceptions of the PRAMS survey, and preferences for survey distribution, completion, design and content.

METHODS

Focus groups were conducted in English and Spanish with 29 women in two large metropolitan counties. Participants completed a brief survey, reviewed the PRAMS questionnaire and recruitment materials, engaged in discussion, and gave feedback directly onto cover design posters.

RESULTS

Participants reported limited awareness of PRAMS. Preferences for survey distribution and completion varied by participant lifestyle. Interest in topics covered by PRAMS was as a motivator for completion, while distrust and confidentiality concerns were deterrents. Participants were least comfortable answering questions about income, illegal drug use, and pregnancy loss/infant death. Changes to the length of the survey, distribution methods, and incentives/rewards for completion were recommended.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

Results highlight the need to increase PRAMS awareness, build trust, and consider the design, length and modality for questionnaire completion as possible avenues to improve PRAMS response rates.