Implementation of the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study in Ghana

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Human Growth and Development
• Public Health

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) aimed to establish international growth standards for children.
• Ghana's Accra site was selected due to identified affluent subpopulations with unconstrained growth potential.
• Child subpopulations were identified using father's education and household income as indicators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish child growth reference data for the African population within the WHO MGRS.
• To investigate factors influencing child growth in a specific urban setting.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study enrolled newborns from 25 healthcare facilities representing 80% of local births.
• Cross-sectional sample recruited from 117 day-care centers serving over 80% of the target subpopulation.
• Community engagement and public relations were utilized to promote study participation.

Main Results:

• The study successfully enrolled a significant sample for both longitudinal and cross-sectional data collection.
• Challenges included managing numerous facilities, a large geographic area, and a dense urban environment.
• High rates of breastfeeding and community support positively impacted study implementation.

Conclusions:

• The Accra site successfully implemented the MGRS protocol despite logistical challenges.
• Favorable breastfeeding practices in the community supported the study's objectives for establishing growth references.
• The study provides valuable data for understanding child growth in the selected Ghanaian population.