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Sample for Maternity Survey
Of the 458 local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland at that time, 424 (92%) agreed to take part.
Responses
% | Number | |
Successful Interviews | 90.5 | 13,687 |
Mothers refused | 1.9 | 287 |
Mothers untraced | 7.3 | 1,109 |
Forms spoiled | 0.3 | 47 |
Total confirmed births | 15,130 | |
Versions
There were two versions of the Maternity Survey:
- Version A: 'The Maternity Study' - focused more on ante-natal care and the birth process
- Version B: 'The Costs Study' - focused more on the costs associated with pregnancy
The 424 co-operating authorities were randomly divided into two groups. In no case did a single authority receive both types of questionnaire.
The response rate for the maternity study was 91.5% and the response rate for the costs study was 89.3%.
% | Number | |
Version A: Maternity study | 53.2 | 7,287 |
Version B: Costs study | 46.8 | 6,400 |
Total | 13,687 | |
A detailed description of the sampling and methodology of the original maternity study is given in Douglas JWB, 'Maternity in Great Britain' (1948).
The questionnaires can be viewed here.