Overview of Research Projects

PROJECT 1: Sampling and Measurement Issues in Studying Perinatal Health Outcomes in Latina Women

This study will have two main goals. One will be to explore the survey error and cost implications of alternative sampling and survey designs for conducting population-targeted health outcomes research on Latina women. Using cognitive assessment and other instrument development methods, a second goal will be to investigate the process and content issues related to obtaining perinatal outcome data from Latina women.

PROJECT 2: Linking Vital Records and Health Care Files in Maternal Morbidity Research

The general aim of this study will be to investigate statistical approaches to link birth records and health care data files to study maternal morbidity in Latina women and other racial/ethnic groups. Various deterministic and probabilistic strategies will be developed and adapted to link these data sources

PROJECT 3: Small Area Estimation to Target High-Risk Subpopulation for Health Intervention

The main goal of this study will be to further develop and evaluate model-based methods for producing small area estimates based on prediction models utilizing census data, county data, and survey data. The focus of the research will be on using a combination of federal and state data to produce estimate for sub-state areas. Results will be used to identify high-risk areas and population groups to which prevention and other health intervention programs are aimed in North Carolina.

PROJECT 4: Nonresponse in Longitudinal Studies

This study will investigate the effect of attrition at the school and household levels on the sample of teens in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health currently underway at UNC-CH. Particular attention will be given to attrition differentials by race/ethnicity and the effect of attrition on estimates for race/ethnicity population subgroups.