Fenuafala health survey: the ecology of health and disease on a coral atoll village.

Abstract

The atoll community of Fenuafala was surveyed during July-August, 1987. A disproportionate demographic structure was found: There was a large, young population with an uneven sex distribution in the adolescent cohorts. Adoption of relatives was frequent. Employment varied according to sex, with women restricted from horticulture, fisheries, and hard labour. The use of alcohol and tobacco was common. Causes of mortality included cancer, heart failure, meningitis, alcoholism, and accidents. Bacterial and fungal skin infections were prevalent. There were several cases of congenital disorders. Malaria, leprosy, and most other tropical diseases were absent. However, there was a single case of filariasis. Musculoskeletal disorders were numerous and more common among women. Falls from trees have resulted in serious sequelae including epilepsy and death. Hypertension, diabetes, and gout appear to be on the increase, but angina and myocardial infarction were not reported. There were also cases of epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.