Sex and Stature Estimation from Odontometric Parameters of Kalabari Ethnic Group in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The resistance of the teeth to human and taphonomic factors has made it a choice for the identification of persons. The aim of this study is to estimate sex and stature from odontometric parameters of Kalabari ethnic group of Rivers State in Nigeria. The cross-sectional descriptive study involved 100 volunteers between the ages of 15 to 30 years (50 males and 50 females) whose parents and four grandparents were from Kalabri ethnic group. The parameters measured were the crown height (CH), maximum mesiodistal width (MD), buccolingual dimension (BL) of the right maxillary and mandibular incisors, canines, and premolars. The heights (HT) of the volunteers were also measured. Discriminant function analysis was used to design a predictive model for sex and Multivariate Regression Analysis was used to design a predictive model for stature. The results showed that the mean values of all teeth variables were larger in males than in females except buccolingual dimensions of second maxillary incisor (BL2) and crown height of first maxillary premolar (CH4). Discriminant Function Analysis of all measured parameters showed the score that predicts male is 1.067 while -1.067 for female. Stepwise Discriminant Function Analysis showed maxillary canine to be the best predictor of sex followed by mandibular incisor. Predictive model for sex identification was derived. Multivariate regression analysis was used to derive equation for stature estimation. This study showed that the combination of the teeth could be used for sex and stature estimation.