Prediction of Stature from Somatometry of the Left Hand in Igbos, Nigeria

Abstract

The identification of a person is based on some biological profiles. Stature is one of such; its prediction plays important role in forensic investigation. An attempt was made to establish the stature of the Igbos using left finger lengths, hand length and hand breadth. The correlation between stature and hand dimensions was studied. Which of the hand segments is the best to predict the stature of the Igbos? 88 males and 123 females were included in this study after obtaining informed consent. Measurements of hand segments were taken using Sliding Caliper and the height was recorded using Anthropometer. The data were subjected for statistical analysis. Significant correlation between stature and the entire hand dimensions was established except hand breadth (HB) in the females. Independent linear regression equations to calculate the stature were obtained for hand segments in both genders put together, in males and females separately. Hand length had the best prediction power in both genders put together as well as in the females. In males, the best prediction power was observed in fourth digit length followed by hand length. The multiple linear regression model generated for both genders put together performed better than the simple linear regression models for the males or females.