No abstract

A survey of varicose veins in a rural area of northern New Guinea showed a very low prevalence in women (0-1 percent in females aged 20 and over) and a modest prevalence in men (5-1 per cent in the same age range). The people lacked factors of diet, body bulk and tight clothing that have been postulated to be important in other populations. Multi-parity, leg trauma and heavy lifting were present but did not accord with the sex difference in prevalence. Sitting habits may be important in the aetiology of varicose veins in this population.

No abstract

The Tokelau Island Migrant Study has shown no important differences between those who subsequently left their home islands to migrate to New Zealand and those who remained, in key anthropometric and biochemical variables already reported. This comparison is now extended to various common diseases and conditions, and again no major difference emerges. The Tokelauans are compared with other Polynesians and shown to have less diabetes, hypertension, effort pain, chronic bronchitis and varicose veins than New Zealand Maoris, while resembling some Cook Island groups. Changes in prevalences of some conditions following migration are postulated.

No abstract