An Anthropometric Study of some Basic Nasal Parameters of Three Major Ethnic Groups in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nasal anthropometry can be employed in identification of the race and sex of individuals whose identity is unknown, since normal nose morphology is dependent on gender, ethnic and environmental influences. Nasal index is an ethnic sensitive anthropometrical tool and also exhibits sexual differences. This study is aimed at providing anthropometric data on the basic nasal parameters (nasal height, nasal width and nasal index) of three major ethnic groups (Okun, Igala and Ebira) in Kogi State, Nigeria. The study sample comprised 302 subjects aged 17-45 years; 109 Okun subjects comprising of 57 males and 52 females, 107 Igala subjects comprising of 55 males and 52 females and 86 Ebira subjects comprising of 55 males and 31 females. The nasal height and nasal width were measured using a sliding vernier calliper and the nasal index was calculated. Test for significance was done using independent t-test and ANOVA. The result from this study showed that the mean nasal index for Okun males and females were 97.23±7.89 and 93.64±8.22 respectively; the mean nasal index for Igala males and females were 97.21±8.88 and 93.48±8.72 and the mean nasal index for Ebira males and females were 96.93±8.66 and 92.99±7.62 respectively. Sexual dimorphism was noted in the nasal parameters of males and females in each ethnic group at P<0.05 but there was no significant difference in the nasal parameters between the ethnic groups considered at p<0.05. Okun, Igala and Ebira fall under the platyrrhine nose type. The result of this study will be relevant in forensic medicine, physical anthropology and clinical practice.