Table 2.

List of data elements used in linking the various individual-level data sets, sorted in order of variable discriminating power

Rank based on discriminating power	Description of variable	Data sets containing the linkage variable (in addition to vital records)
1	Mother’s date of birth	Home visiting program, hospital discharge—maternal
2	Street number of residence	Home visiting program
3	Mother’s last name	Home visiting program
4	Infant’s last name	Home visiting program
5	Mother’s maiden name	Home visiting program
6	Street name of residence	Home visiting program
7	Infant’s date of birth	Home visiting program, hospital discharge—maternal, hospital discharge—infant
8	Mother’s first name	Home visiting program
9	Zip code of residence	Home visiting program, hospital discharge—maternal, hospital discharge—infant
10	Birth hospital	Hospital discharge—maternal, hospital discharge—infant
11	County of residence	Home visiting program
12	Insurance status	Home visiting program, hospital discharge—maternal, hospital discharge—infant
13	Infant gender	Home visiting program, hospital discharge—infant
14	Delivery route	Hospital discharge—maternal
15	Preterm birth status	Hospital discharge—infant