Globin genes are useful markers to identify genetic similarities between Fijians and Pacific Islanders from Polynesia and Melanesia.

DNA mapping studies in Fijians have enabled the identification of rearrangements and RFLPs involving the alpha-, zeta-, and gamma-globin genes. Comparisons of these data with corresponding gene markers in Polynesians and Melanesians of Papua New Guinea show considerable overlap between the three population groups. The utility of globin genes as population markers is further confirmed.

Iron deficiency and anemia among Indian women in Fiji.

In June 1979, 245 Hindu and 240 Moslem women of childbearing age (14-45 yr) living in a semi-rural area north of Lautoka were tested for anemia and for iron-deficiency. Ninety-six (39%) of the 245 Hindu women and 77 (32%) of the 240 Moslem women were anemic according to World Health Organization criteria. Most of the cases of anemia were due to iron-deficiency. The prevalence of anemia did not change significantly with advancing age or increasing parity. Hookworm ova were found on examination of a single specimen of feces in 27 (14%) of 195 Hindu and 50 (24%) of 209 Moslem women. The presence of hookworm did not correlate with anemia. The red cell folate level was less than 160 micrograms/l in 117 (24%) of 478 women and the serum vitamin B12 level was less than 100 ng/l in 47 (10%) of 476 women. Subnormal levels of these vitamins did not correlate with anemia. The serum ferritin was determined to assess tissue iron stores. Two-hundred-and-twenty-four (46%) of 484 Indian women tested had serum ferritin values of less than 10 microgram/l; 400 (83%) had ferritin values of less than 26 microgram/l. The high prevalence of iron deficiency appears to be due predominantly to dietary factors.