Nutritional Assessment of Primary School Children in Papua New Guinea: Implications for Community Health

Abstract

The nutritional status of primary school children ( N = 1453) was assessed using weight-for-height (W/H) and twenty-four hour food recall records. Using WHO standards, 21 percent of the students were within the standard W/H. Of the remainder, 71 percent were within 5 kg. of standard W/H, and 8 percent deviated more than 5 kg. from the standard W/H (5% underweight and 3% overweight). The dietary data collected from Grades 5 and 6 ( N = 425) revealed a daily food intake of 1.6, 2.8, and 7.7 servings of protein, protective, and energy foods, respectively, as recorded in local servings. Sixty-five percent of the subjects consumed foods from all three food groups. Twenty-four percent consumed no protein, 14 percent consumed no protective food, and 2 percent consumed neither protein nor protective food. The variety of foods available varied from school to school-3-11 protein foods, 7–15 energy foods, and 8–18 protective foods. To improve nutritional status, government leadership in the areas of education, health, and primary industry will be required. All divisions adhere to the National Food and Nutrition Policy which promotes local rather than imported food.