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 |