Estimation of Stature Using Forearm-Hand Length with Univariate Linear Regression Analysis among the Igbo Population in Nigeria
Nicholas Asiwe *
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria.
Michael Okon
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Oweiwari Victor Buseni
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Paul Efe
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Oghenefego Michael Adheke
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Nigeria.
David Odah
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Physical anthropometric analysis for stature estimation is a valid identification process in forensic anthropology and biomedicals. The study aims to estimate stature using the forearm-hand length among the Indigenous people of Igbo, Nigeria.
Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design to generate physical anthropometric data of standing height and forearm-hand length among the indigenous Igbo. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used, and the sample size was calculated using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected directly from the respondent with the aid of a stadiometer and a non-stretchable measuring tape. The data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25.
Results: This cross-sectional study examined forearm-hand length and stature anthropometrics among 600 indigenous Igbo individuals (300 males and 300 females) aged 18-35 years. Males showed significantly larger forearm-hand length (FHL) and stature than females, with mean FHL and stature of 50.56±2.86 cm and 176.70±6.46 cm for males, and 47.41±2.25 cm and 165.97±5.02 cm for females. No age-related differences were observed in FHL and stature. FHL was moderately correlated with stature for both sexes (males: R=0.59, females: R=0.54, p=0.0001) and proved to be a good predictor of stature, with the overall model given as S = 80.57 + (1.85 × FHL). Stature prediction was more accurate for males (r²=0.35) than for females (r²=0.29).
Conclusion: This study found no age-related differences but significant sex differences in forearm-hand length, which was a better predictor of stature overall, with more accurate predictions for males than females.
Keywords: Anthropometry, stature estimation, forensic anthropology, biomedicals