ESTIMATION OF STATURE FROM LENGTH AND BREADTH OF RIGHT AND LEFT THUMBS IN A NIGERIAN POPULATION

*Johnbull T. O., Amambgu J. N. and Oladipo G. S.

ABSTRACT

Stature estimation has been found to be useful in forensic investigation. Stature estimation by the means of human vestiges anchors on the rule that there exists a linear correlation between stature and different parts of the human body and bones. Body markers that could reveal the identity of unknown persons are of great importance to forensic experts. Methods: random sampling technique was employed in getting 250 participants for this study comprising of 120 (48%) Igbos, while 130 (52%) were from the Yoruba ethnic group. Participants involved students and staff of the University of Port Harcourt and its environs who were either Igbos or Yoruba. Parameters measured include the left and right thumb length, the left and right thumb breadth, and the left and right thumb thickness and height. Results: Results obtained were analyzed using SPSS IBM version 23.0 for Pearson correlation and multivariate regression. Regression equations were derived in this study with weak correlation in most parameters though with the exception of the right thumb breadth of Igbos that showed a significant association. Conclusion: Considering this outcome, equations derived from the right thumb breadth could serve as an adjunct tool in the forensic anthropology of Igbos. Thus, the study is recommended for forensic experts in Nigeria.

Keywords: stature, Body makers, anthropology, Nigerians.