Predictive Modelling of Stillbirth and Neonatal Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa — Systematic Review & Multicountry Analysis
# Implications for Newborn and Child Growth Classification Using INTERGROWTH-21st and WHO Child Growth Standards
**Vesel L, Strout S, Parker S, Victor A, Ngatia B, Ohuma EO.**
*BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology*, 2026.
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.701861
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## Overview
Secondary analysis of the LIFE study (Malawi & Tanzania, n = 608 moderately low birthweight infants) comparing how the WHO Child Growth Standards and INTERGROWTH-21st standards affect growth classification and trajectory interpretation across gestational age groups.
Z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ) and head circumference-for-age (HCAZ) were computed at birth and longitudinally (0-6m, 6-12m, 12-24m) using conditional growth models. Analyses were stratified by gestational age category and performed in R v4.3.3 using the GIGS package.
## Repository Contents
| File | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `papers/implications/BJOG_2026_Vesel_Implications_Growth_Standards.pdf` | Published paper |
| `papers/implications/S3_Evidence_Implications_Growth_Standards_Audencio.docx` | S3 — Supplementary evidence |
| `papers/implications/S3_Supplementary_Tables.docx` | Supplementary tables |
| `papers/implications/S3_Supplementary_Figures.docx` | Supplementary figures |
> Raw/individual-level data are **not** included for privacy and ethical reasons.
## Contact
**Audencio Victor** — audenciovictor@gmail.com
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine