A study of the feeding habits and nutrition of children in Anguganak area of West Sepik.

During November/December 1976 we surveyed 255 children of known age 5 years and under, and we questioned their parents about the foods given to them. We compared our results with previous survey results from this area. Despite the much earlier introduction of solid foods, there was no significant change in the mean weights of infants in this area since 1967. Sixty-four percent of the children were below 80% of the standard weight for age, and 57% of the children over one year of age had a mid upper-arm circumference of less than 14 cm. Health education needs to be supplemented by the use of high density weaning foods and the control of infection to overcome the very high prevalence of malnutrition.