Cross-sectional dietary deficiencies among a prison population in Papua New Guinea.

Background: To investigate the dietary adequacy of prisoners of Beon Prison, Madang, Papua New Guinea in response to a report of possible nutritional deficiency.

Methods: We undertook an observational, cross-sectional study. All 254 male inmates (May 2010) were eligible to answer a validated interview-based questionnaire; to have a comprehensive dietary assessment; and to provide blood for biochemical analysis (α-tocopherol, β-carotene, lutein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, homocysteine, zinc, ferritin, and vitamins A, B12 and C).

Optic neuropathy among a prison population in Papua New Guinea.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of optic neuropathy (ON) among prisoners in a provincial prison in Papua New Guinea, and to explore risk factors for this condition among this population.

Methods: Cross-sectional observation study of 148 male prisoners aged ≥18 years using an interview-based questionnaire, assessment of visual and nervous system function, ocular examination, and blood analysis (α-tocopherol, β-carotene, lutein, folate, homocysteine, holotranscobalamin II, riboflavin, selenium, thiamin, and vitamins A, B(12) and C). Likelihood of the presence of ON was based on ordered groups determined by weighted combination of optic nerve head appearance and visual dysfunction (acuity, field, color perception).

Serum retinol and xerophthalmia among a prison population in Papua New Guinea.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and one of its clinical manifestations, xerophthalmia, and examine the predictive value of nyctalopia and ocular signs for serum retinol concentrations among a prison population in Papua New Guinea.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 148 prisoners and 9 guards; all males aged ≥18 years. Interview-based questionnaire; ocular examination; serum retinol concentration determination.