DIET IN AN URBAN PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA POPULATION WITH HIGH-LEVELS OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS

Usual food consumption patterns and nutrient intakes were estimated by food frequency questionnaire in the urban Wanigela people of Koki in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG). This group is characterised by a high prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) an d risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary data were ava ilable for 285 subjects, 38% of subjects attending a larger health sur vey: the study group was considered representative of the Koki populat ion. Mean energy intakes, 11.5 mJ in men and 10.5 mJ in women, were in excess of estimated requirements, especially in women. Fat intake was predominantly saturated and although the percentage contribution was relatively low, the absolute intake was close to the level estimated f or individuals consuming the recommended proportion of fat at an energ y intake to maintain a healthy weight. Levels of body mass index (BMI) , waist/hip ratio (WHR), fasting and 2-hour glucose and insulin, trigl ycerides, cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and moder nity score were not different across tertiles of dietary fat content, energy intake or energy-adjusted Fat intake in men, but modernity scor e tended to increase with fat intake in women. Fibre intake was surpri singly low given the relative importance of local starchy staples whic h contributed to a high intake of total and complex carbohydrate. Cook ing bananas and white rice were the main sources of energy and carbohy drate, fresh fish was the main protein source, and most of the fat in the diet was from coconut products, representing a diet transitional b etween a traditional coastal diet and a modem western diet. With conti nuing modernization and increasing dependence on imported foods it see ms likely that many communities in PNG will experience increases in th e prevalence of NIDDM and CVD.