About

The purpose of the Postpartum Assessment of Health Survey (PAHS) is to better understand how to improve the health and quality of life of postpartum people and families in the year after a child is born. The survey will ask a representative sample of individuals in six states and New York City about their physical and mental health, health care use and the social determinants of health in the year after giving birth. Data from this effort will provide insights on actionable strategies that could be taken by state health departments, governments, clinicians and other relevant actors to promote the health of families and mitigate maternal morbidity and mortality in the year after birth.

PAHS is an interdisciplinary research collaboration between Columbia University researchers and seven city and state departments of health. The survey is part of a larger Columbia World Project, “Leveraging Policy to Improve Maternal Health in the Fourth Trimester.” Columbia World Projects is a Columbia University initiative that mobilizes the university’s researchers and scholars to work with governments, organizations, businesses and communities to tackle global challenges and improve people’s lives.