The Ok Tedi Health and Nutrition Project, Papua New Guinea: physique, growth and nutritional status of the Wopkaimin of the Star Mountains.

Abstract

A survey was carried out to establish baseline anthropometric and health data in the Wopkaimin, a small group of Mountain Ok-speaking hunter-horticulturalists who live in a remote and isolated part of the Highland fringe of Papua New Guinea, where a major gold and copper mine is being developed. Malaria is hyperendemic in the region and infant mortality has been estimated at approximately 230 per thousand. A 79% sample of the population was examined and the results of the anthropometric survey are reported. Wopkaimin childrens' heights and weights are well below the 50th percentile of British standards throughout growth; at maturity boys' weights and girls' heights and weights are at or below the 3rd percentile, and boys' weights are just above the 10th percentile. Wopkaimin children lag far behind British children in percentage of adult height achieved at all ages, and appear to attain maturity at least four years later. This relatively slow growth and short adult stature may represent an adaptive response to chronic nutritional deprivation, for which there is evidence from skinfold thickness and arm circumference measurements. Younger adults are significntly taller, heavier, fatter and more muscular than older adults; possible explanations for this are discussed. Within the sample, individuals living in villages less than a day's walk from the mine town are significantly taller, heavier and fatter than those living further away, and there are also similar significant anthropometric differences between employed and unemployed men. Ready food availability which has come with the mine development appears to be the most likely explanation for these differences. A continuing study of changing patterns of health and nutrition in the area has been initiated.