Abstract

The ridge like impressions noticeable on all the fingers are called finger prints, and its study is referred to as dermatogylphics. The use of finger prints as a means of identification is called dactyloscopy. For a long time studies have been focused on the morphological characteristics of fingerprints but with few conflicting evidence of significant relationship between fingerprints and gender. Aim: This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between fingerprints and gender among Nigerians.Methods:450 individuals comprising of 212 (47.1%) males and 238 (52.9%) females within ages 16-50 years, selected from Port Harcourt city were used for this study. Adopting Oghenemavwe and Osaat (2015) digital print model the fingerprints of the subjects were captured. Clearly obtained images were magnified and then the three primary fingerprint patterns (Arch, Loop and Whorl) were then identified and recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using XLSTAT (Addinsoft Version 2015.4.01.21575). Chi-square analysis was used to determine association and trend between fingerprints and gender. P<0.05 (at 95% confidence level) was taken to be significant. Results: 870 (19.3%) Arches, 2058 (45.7%) Loops and 1572 (34.9%) Whorls. Out of which Arches (male = 20.4%; female = 18.4%); Loops (male = 44.5%; female = 46.8%) and Whorls (male = 35.0%; female = 34.8%) were observed. These distributions of the total fingerprint patterns in both hands were not statistically significant with respect to gender (χ2=3.76, p=0.15).Conclusion: The distributions of fingerprint patterns are independent of gender. Thus, there is no relationship between fingerprints and gender.

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