Association of cheiloscopic patterns and second digit:fourth digit with academic performance among junior secondary students in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Academic performance is a term used for students based on how well they are doing in their studies. It is the outcome of education; the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their educational goals, while 2D:4D is the ratio of second (Index) to fourth (Ring) digit length. Aim: The study aimed to determine the relationship between 2D:4D and cheiloscopic pattern with academic performance. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using 362 junior secondary school students age ranging from 9-20 years, and without obvious abnormality on their lips and digits. Their academic records from the first and second term results for a given session were taken and classified into high, average and low academic performance. The obtained data were analyzed using a chi square test. Results: The association between lip print patterns with academic performance was significant for both sexes with low academic performance being high with decrease in reticular lip print pattern, while the long vertical and branched type lip print pattern increased with decrease in academic performance in females. In males, the percentage frequency of the reticular lip print pattern increased with higher academic performance while the percentage frequency of undifferentiated type lip print pattern decreased with higher academic performance. There was no association between the 2D:4D and academic performance; however, there was sexual dimorphism. Conclusion: In conclusion, cheiloscopic patterns could be used in identification and as a predictor of students' academic performance for better academic planning and success while 2D:4D has no association with academic performance.