Georgia PRAMS HIV testing provider fact sheet [May 2016]

Georgia PRAMS HIV Testing Provider Fact Sheet
What is PRAMS?
The Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a Georgia Department of Public Health surveillance project funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PRAMS collects state-specific population-based data on maternal knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and experiences before, during, and shortly after pregnancy. Each month, a random sample of approximately 200 mothers is drawn from birth records. Mothers are contacted by mail or telephone (for nonresponders) within 2-6 months after delivery. Each mother's survey is linked to her baby's birth certificate. The goal of the Georgia PRAMS project is to reduce poor birth outcomes and improve the health of mothers and babies. PRAMS complements Vital Records data by providing information not available from other sources about pregnancy and the first few months after delivery.
Data on various topics including oral health, breastfeeding, and postpartum contraception planning can be obtained from:
Georgia PRAMS website, dph.ga.gov/PRAMS CDC's PRAMStat System, www.cdc.gov/prams/pramstat/about/index.html Georgia PRAMS Coordinator, Florence Kanu at florence.kanu@dph.ga.gov
As a provider, you can use PRAMS data to determine who is at high risk and who would benefit most from targeted guidance. We have provided information on HIV testing during pregnancy and helpful resources to offer patients.
HIV Testing During Pregnancy
The most common route of HIV infection in children is HIV transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy, labor and delivery, or breastfeeding. When HIV is diagnosed before or during pregnancy, transmission between mother and baby can be reduced to less than 1%1. It is recommended that all pregnant women are screened for HIV as early as possible during each pregnancy. Georgia PRAMS data can help identify women at greatest risk for not receiving an HIV test during pregnancy (women who do not talk with their provider about the importance of HIV testing during each pregnancy) and opportunities for intervention and prevention (health education conversations with providers during prenatal care visits).

2 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga 30303 | dph.ga.gov

May 2016

Georgia PRAMS HIV Testing Fact Sheet
How Can Healthcare Providers Help?
Implement the Georgia HIV/Syphilis Pregnancy Screening Act of 2015 H.B. 436 o 1st and 3rd trimester HIV/Syphilis testing is required for all pregnant Georgia moms. o No written evidence of test at delivery? Attending physician MUST order an HIV/Syphilis test. o Mom refuses test? Documentation of refusal is required to relieve provider of any responsibility.
Refer HIV infected pregnant women or women who have delivered within the last 12 months to the Georgia Fetal Infant Mortality/Morbidity Review (FIMR) Team. o Referral forms are available at dph.ga.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/MCH/FIMRHIV/fimrHIV_Referral_Form_fillable.pdf
Visit and encourage patients to visit the Georgia HIV CAPUS Resource Hub at www.gacapus.com

Georgia possesses the prevention methods that can, and should ensure that no child begins life with an HIV infection!

References: 1. HIV Among Pregnant Women, Infants, and Children. June 2015. www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/gender/pregnantwomen/
The Georgia PRAMS HIV Testing Fact Sheet is published as new data become available by the Office of Strategy and Epidemiology, Maternal and Child Health Section, Division of Health Promotion, Georgia Department of Public Health. For data requests, please apply through the Public Health Information Portal in Georgia DPH at dph.ga.gov/phip-data-request.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Georgia Department of Public Health Maternal and Child Health Section at 404-657-2850 Email: Florence.Kanu@dph.ga.gov
dph.ga.gov/MCH

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