Fingerprint Patterns in Students with Learning Disability: Evidence of Sexual Dimorphism and Potential for Diagnosis in a Nigerian Population

Abstract

This study assessed the sex-based relationship and prediction pattern between fingerprint patterns, ridge counts, and learning disability (LD). This cross-sectional study recruited 300 students (150 LD and 150 non-LD) aged between 3 and 29 years. The fingerprint patterns (arch, whorl, ulnar loop, and radial loop) and the ridge count: total finger ridge count (TFRC), absolute ridge count (ARC), ulnar ridge count (URC), and radial ridge count (RRC) were accessed. Students with LD showed a significantly higher whorl and a significantly lower ulnar loop than students without LD. There is a significant association of whorl pattern in the first right finger of subjects with LD compared to non-LD counterparts. TFRC, ARC, and URC were significantly higher in females with LD than non-LD females (P = 0.01, 0.03, and 0.001). Males with LD showed significantly lower TFRC, RRC, and URC counts than the non-LD males (P = 0.02, 0.01, and 0.001). TFRC can predict LD in males (odds ratio [OR] = 1.010, P = 0.032) and females (OR = 0.993, P = 0.012). Fingerprint pattern and ridge counts are sexually dimorphic in subjects with or without LD. TFRC and whorl fingerprint patterns may be vital predictive and screening tools for LD in males and females.