Ohio Study of Associated Risks of Stillbirth

Purpose:

The Ohio Study of Associated Risks of Stillbirth (Ohio SOARS) is a statewide, population-based survey designed to collect information on maternal experiences and behaviors before, during, and after pregnancy among individuals who experienced a stillbirth in Ohio.

The Ohio SOARS will provide critical, timely population-based data to better understand the risks of stillbirth and to measure progress towards goals in reducing the rates of stillbirth in Ohio. The questionnaire includes topics such as life experiences before and during pregnancy, social support and stress, services and medical tests offered in hospitals after a stillborn delivery, substance use, and grief and bereavement support. The study seeks to collect data not available in medical records or on fetal death certificates. Individuals are contacted to complete the survey approximately 2-4 months after a reported loss and can participate by completing a paper survey delivered via mail or online survey.

Data collection for the 2020-2022 Ohio SOARS surveys is complete. The 2023 Ohio SOARS is currently being fielded with the assistance of RTI International.

Sponsors:

The Ohio Department of Children & Youth (Ohio DCY) and the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) funded the 2020-2023 Ohio SOARS and CDC Foundation funded the 2024-2025 Ohio SOARS.

Data Collection:

Since 2020, over 660 mothers have completed the Ohio SOARS survey. OSU GRC are administering the 2024 and 2025 surveys.

Here are some things moms are saying about Ohio SOARS:

My son was stillborn after 35 weeks I felt completely helpless and alone. The SOARS survey allowed me to honor my son. I was able to share our experience in a way that will help others. I can't think of a better legacy for my son.
My son Samuel was born sleeping at 33 weeks. We had a lot of questions and few answers. I can't change what happened, but I can help the world understand stillbirth a little more. Parents can share their stories through SOARS to help connect the dots we never knew were there. If I can help prevent another mom's pain and save a precious baby's life, count me in!
My son Qasem was born still at 37 weeks. I had a perfect pregnancy and was blissfully ignorant about stillbirth. Our world and everything we had hoped for was shattered. I can't change what happened, but I take comfort in knowing the information that I provided to SOARS will help better understand stillbirth. If we can have the strength to survive the unsurvivable, then we have the strenght to share our experiences to help move Ohio forward.
Thank you for all you do, it means a lot.

Resources:

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For more information on the Ohio SOARS project, please visit the Ohio DCY website