The Distribution of Mid-Digital Hair among the Idoma People of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Hair has accompanied human development since the ancient time as a symbol of power, dominance, and strength. It has been perceived as a thing of beauty and a tool for sexual communication. Over the years, anthropologists have studied the body hair distribution particularly phalangeal hair; this is because it shows variation in relation to race, nationality and ethnic groups. Clinicians have also shown great interest in the study of bodily hairs due to its many useful biological functions, including dispersion of sweat gland products. There are few reports of distribution of mid-digital hair among some tribes in Nigeria but there is paucity of data among the Idoma tribe of Benue State. Hence, this study aimed to investigate and document the frequency of distribution of mid-digital hair among Idoma tribe of Benue State. Method: The study was community-based, descriptive, and cross-sectional with a sample size of 401. Data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire that was administered by an interviewer following an examination of the mid-digital hair. Result: mid- digital hairs was present in 113 (28.2%) of the participants and absent in 288(71.8%) of the participants. The only significant socio-demographic characteristics among participants were the educational level with 7.754(0.051). Conclusion: The study indicated that less than one-third of the participants had mid-digital hair. Furthermore, the mid-digital hair distribution was sexually dimorphic, as it was more prevalent among the males than the females (ratio of 8: 6). The reason for the higher distribution in the males than females could be attributed to the hormonal difference in both genders.