The 1978 edition saw the debuts of Dominica and Saint Vincent and the returns of India, Italy, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Philippines, Singapore, Swaziland, Tunisia, and the Virgin Islands. Nigeria last competed in 1970, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, Swaziland, and Tunisia last competed in 1975, while the others last competed in 1976.
The 1978 edition featured the introductions of Dominica and Saint Vincent and the reappearance of India, Italy, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Philippines, Singapore, Swaziland, Tunisia, and the Virgin Islands. Nigeria last participated in 1970, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, Swaziland, and Tunisia last took part in 1975, while the others last appeared in 1976.