Alcohol research in Papua New Guinea: implications for health care workers

Over the last 5 years a substantial amount of research and publication has been completed on the subject of alcoholic beverage consumption and its consequences for Papua New Guinea. This work can be grouped under four topical headings: anthropological, epidemiological (including public health), psychological and sociological. These recent findings will be summarized below and their relevance for health care personnel in helping to prevent some of the negative results of alcohol abuse will then be discussed.