Application of the WHO (2007) Growth Reference in Assessing the Anthropometric Status of Nigerian Adolescents; a Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

Abstract

The study was designed to assess the application of WHO 2007 growth reference by local studies published from 2008 to 2020 in data generation of Nigerian adolescents’ anthropometric status. Meta-analysis of literatures on anthropometric status of adolescents in Nigeria by articles published from 2009–2020 was conducted. A bibliographic survey was carried out in several databases –Google Scholar, PubMed and African Journal Online. Review of abstracts and full texts followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The methodology for anthropometric assessment of these eligible studies were compared to WHO 2007 growth reference. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. A total of 24 articles which captured 12,482 adolescents met the inclusion criteria. More than one fifth (20.8%) of the studies adopted the WHO 2007 growth references in their data generation. A weak positive correlation was observed between year of publication and application of WHO 2007 reference in data generation (r = .0.28; p = 0.04). The low application of an age long guideline by local researchers is of concern. Hence, the need to ensure quick adoption of standard indicators/guidelines in local studies will not only promote the generation of pooled evidence to reveal cross-cutting gaps but also ensure that the public health situation is not under/over estimated. This research work received no funding.