Dietary change and adolescent growth among the Bundi (Gende-speaking) people of Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

In the 1960's, the Bundi had a pattern of slow growth, delayed maturation, and small adult body size due to malnutrition. Since then, improved transportation, wage income, cash cropping, and migration have changed dietary patterns for the Bundi. The purpose of our study was to assess the effects of this general increase in protein and energy intakes on adolescent growth. The data were collected in 1984. Subscapular skinfold thicknesses among rural Bundi children measured in 1984 and 1967 confirm that nutritional status has improved, although current means for height and weight are still below the NCHS 5th percentile. Rural Bundi measure in 1984 were compared to the 1967 data for differences in height and weight. For both sexes, there were increases in growth status and/or the tempo of growth in height and weight. Urban- rural comparisons further contrast the effects of improved nutrition. For males and females, significant differences between urban and rural groups are found mainly in the age range of the adolescent growth spurt. These findings suggest earlier maturation of urban adolescents. Although interpretation of cross-sectional growth data cannot be conclusive, these results suggest that the tempo of growth is the best indicator of nutritional status during adolescenc.