Abstract
To assess the validity of probabilistic linkage (PL) in combining national surveillance data on assisted reproductive technology
(ART) with Massachusetts birth and infant death data, for the purpose of monitoring maternal and child health outcomes of
ART. A study conducted in 2006 utilized direct identifiers to match Massachusetts birth records with records on ART procedures
performed to Massachusetts residents in fertility clinics located in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, achieving a linkage rate
of 87.5%. The present study employed PL using the program Link Plus, without access to direct identifiers. The primary linking
variables were maternal and infant dates of birth, and plurality. Ancillary variables such as maternal ZIP code and gravidity
helped resolve duplicate matches and capture additional matches. PL linked 5,390 (87.8%) of 6,139 deliveries, correctly identifying
96.4% of the matches previously obtained using deterministic linkage methods. PL yielded a high linkage rate with satisfactory
validity; this method may be applied in other states to help monitor the maternal and child health outcomes of ART.
(ART) with Massachusetts birth and infant death data, for the purpose of monitoring maternal and child health outcomes of
ART. A study conducted in 2006 utilized direct identifiers to match Massachusetts birth records with records on ART procedures
performed to Massachusetts residents in fertility clinics located in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, achieving a linkage rate
of 87.5%. The present study employed PL using the program Link Plus, without access to direct identifiers. The primary linking
variables were maternal and infant dates of birth, and plurality. Ancillary variables such as maternal ZIP code and gravidity
helped resolve duplicate matches and capture additional matches. PL linked 5,390 (87.8%) of 6,139 deliveries, correctly identifying
96.4% of the matches previously obtained using deterministic linkage methods. PL yielded a high linkage rate with satisfactory
validity; this method may be applied in other states to help monitor the maternal and child health outcomes of ART.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10995-011-0877-7
- Authors
- Yujia Zhang, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS k34, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA
- Bruce Cohen, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Maurizio Macaluso, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS k34, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA
- Zi Zhang, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Tonji Durant, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS k34, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA
- Angela Nannini, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Journal Maternal and Child Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-6628
- Print ISSN 1092-7875