Biological and disease patterns in South African inter-racial populations as modified by rise in privilege

Abstract

Among the 4 ethnic groups in South Africa. populations may be observed in many stages of transition, from primitiveness to sopnistication. With the rise in socioeconomic circumstances, numerous changes have occurred. Those discussed include mortality rate and age structure, diet, growth, blood pressure, various biochemical measurements, physical activity, and disease pattern. The trend of changes implies that in the future, among non-Whites, diseases of nutritional inadequacy, especially protein-calorie malnutrition and pellagra, will decrease and will no longer be public health burdens. Simultaneously, however, there will be increases in conditions or diseases linked with nutritional excess, such as overweight and hypertension. In non-Whites, these and their ramifications are likely in t;me to exact the high tolls of mortality and morbidity from degenerative diseases which prevail in White populations. It is unlikely that recommendations directed at Whites and the affluent moieties of non-Whites will arrest the rising intensity of risk factors to health.