Student Spotlight: How did Vivian Pham’s Deployment with the Minnesota Department of Health’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Project Influence Her Drive for Health Advocacy?

Posted on by vand1952

#UMNMCH student, Vivian Pham (MPH 2024), wrote this reflection on how her deployment with Minnesota PRAMS has contributed to her transformative journey in MCH, shaping her into a steadfast advocate for the well-being of families and children worldwide. 

Headshot of Vivian Pham

PRAMS: Unveiling the Foundation of Maternal and Child Health Surveillance 

I had the great honor of being part of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) team at the Minnesota Department of Health this past school year. Established in 1987 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PRAMS is a state-based surveillance initiative focused on maternal and infant health. As of 2021, 46 states, New York City, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands participate in PRAMS. PRAMS collects data through standardized questionnaires administered to recently postpartum women, aiming to understand maternal behaviors, experiences, and outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy. In Minnesota, PRAMS specifically targets improving the health of mothers and babies by reducing the risk of adverse birth outcomes such as low birthweight, preterm birth, as well as infant and maternal morbidity and mortality. By utilizing this data to identify factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and differences in maternal and child health indicator prevalence, PRAMS informs the development of effective public health interventions and policies. Through its comprehensive approach, PRAMS continues to play a crucial role in improving maternal and infant health outcomes nationwide.

PRAMS in Action: Data Entry, Literature Review, Data Brief Development, Testing, and Outreach Initiatives 

During my time with PRAMS, I refined my data entry skills, by primarily entering responses from the PRAMS questionnaires into the database, gaining first-hand insight into the meticulous process of collecting and analyzing data. Furthermore, reading through the survey results and comments left by mothers offered me a deeper understanding of the health needs in our communities. Several respondents stated that they had limited to no time off of work for maternity leave. Others shared that they had to take unpaid leave, leading to further stress. Unpaid leave can increase financial strain, exacerbate anxiety about providing basic requirements, and intensify feelings of uncertainty and stress in mothers who already have to handle the demands of childbirth and early childcare. This eye-opening experience has further motivated me to advocate for postpartum health and strive toward addressing these issues within maternal and child health initiatives.

I took the lead in outreach initiatives, reaching out to media outlets statewide, partnering with hospitals like The Mother Baby Center, and engaging with community events and conferences to raise awareness about PRAMS and its critical role in maternal and child health. -Quote by Vivian Pham

I also participated in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for Phase 9 of the survey, ensuring its accuracy and usability before implementation. UAT involves evaluating the program (in this case, survey) for any errors prior to it being released. This includes covering aspects such as language accuracy, survey response options, and question flow. Phase 9 involves the introduction of a new and revised PRAMS questionnaire. During this phase, changes are made to the survey instrument, such as updating questions, modifying response options, or restructuring the questionnaire layout. This experience highlighted the importance of thorough research preparation. 

Additionally, I leveraged my time with PRAMS as an opportunity for my Applied Practice Experience (APEx). Under the guidance of my preceptor, I tackled a broad array of tasks, from conducting literature reviews to crafting a data brief and devising outreach strategies targeting PRAMS. Additionally, I took the lead in outreach initiatives, reaching out to media outlets statewide, partnering with hospitals like The Mother Baby Center, and engaging with community events and conferences to raise awareness about PRAMS and its critical role in maternal and child health. These multifaceted experiences not only enhanced my understanding of public health research and outreach but also reinforced my commitment to advocating for maternal and child health within communities. 

Traversing Maternal and Child Health: Embracing the L.I.F.E. Framework at PRAMS

Utilizing the L.I.F.E. framework during my time at PRAMS has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of maternal and child health initiatives. In terms of leadership, I leveraged my strengths to foster collaboration and innovation within the team, ensuring effective communication and problem-solving. Interdisciplinary collaboration was central to our efforts, as we worked alongside professionals with broad expertise to enhance data collection and analysis processes. In my role, I identified gaps in services, advocating for enhancements to better serve mothers and children in our community. By applying public health principles and leveraging PRAMS data, I played a role in ensuring that essential healthcare is available to all families, irrespective of their backgrounds. Embracing the principles of the L.I.F.E. framework provided me with valuable insights into the critical role of leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration in driving improvements in maternal and child health outcomes.

BIO 

Vivian Pham is a second-year full-time MCH MPH student with additional interests in biostatistics and epidemiology. Her journey began with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 2022.

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