Papua and New Guinea medical journal
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Systematic observations were made of a small number of aid post orderlies (APOs) managing children with the common but potentially serious symptoms of cough, fever and diarrhoea. On-site performance was evaluated against recommended management guidelines set out in Dr Keith Edwards' Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Childhood Illnesses for APOs. ⋯ Preventive health issues were rarely tackled. Our study reaffirms the need for on-site assessment of the performance of paramedical workers, sets priority demands for continuing education of health workers, and provides a framework for competency-based problem-solving activities within this context.
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Pacific populations have some of the highest prevalences for diabetes in the world. Whilst universal screening for diabetes in pregnancy does yield the best pick-up rate it is not economically feasible in developing countries. ⋯ This study shows genetic origin to be a potent marker for gestational diabetes in a Pacific Island population. It is recommended that in Port Moresby 'at-risk ethnicity' (urban Motuan or Marshall Lagoon origin) be added to the list of indications for antenatal glucose tolerance testing in Papua New Guinean women.