Women in the central highlands of Irian Jaya, Indonesia
- Author:
M. Altena
;
H. W. Voorhoeve
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Adult;
Anthropometry;
Arm - anatomy & histology;
Body Height;
Child, Preschool;
Indonesia - epidemiology
- From:
Papua New Guinea medical journal
1996;39(1):23-30
- CountryPapua New Guinea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The weight, height and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) were measured in 159 women of reproductive age between June and November 1991 in four remote valleys in the Eastern Central Highlands of Irian Jaya, Indonesia. The average weight was 42.3 +/- 5.2 kg and 26% weighed less than 40 kg. The average height was 141.3 +/- 9.1 cm and 30% were shorter than 140 cm. By the MUAC measurement, the nutritional status was considered to be inadequate (MUAC less than 23 cm) in 58% of the women. 8% of the women were observed to be visibly pregnant and 43% were lactating. In the same period 112 women in the Yamil valley were visited at home. They had given birth to 331 children, of whom 83 had died before the age of five years, i.e. a child mortality rate of 251 per 1000 births. Nearly half of the mortality (45%) occurred shortly after birth.
PIP: To obtain baseline information to assist a new nurse-midwife, weight, height, and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) were measured in 159 women of reproductive age in four remote valleys (Yamil, Hey, Moruman, and Bomela) in the Eastern Central Highlands of Irian Jaya, Indonesia, in 1991. Average weight was 42.3 +or- 5.2 kg; 26% weighed less than 40 kg. Height averaged 141.3 +or- 9.1 cm; 30% were shorter than 140 cm. The MUAC was less than 23 cm (indicative of inadequate nutrition) in 58% of the women and 20 cm or less (malnutrition) in 16%. The international reference standards for weight, height, and MUAC are 56.6 kg, 163.7 cm, and 26 cm. 8% of women appeared pregnant and 43% were lactating. Home visits to 112 women in the Yamil valley revealed they had given birth to 331 children, 83 of whom had died before 5 years of age (child mortality rate, 251/1000 births). Since maternal food supplementation aimed at increasing birth weight would lead to more complicated deliveries in stunted mothers, the most feasible strategy is a nutrition program for schoolchildren--the mothers of the next generation.
