Abstract

Background: Anthropometry of the living, historically recognized as being an essential element of physical anthropology because of its role in classifying the biological characteristics of humans is being re-evaluated for its potential contribution to forensic investigations. This study sought to derive regression equations and multiplication factors for stature prediction using percutaneous hand length measurement of adult Nigerians in Nnewi. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study comprised a random sample of 800 subjects (400 males and 400 females) of Nigerian parentage, aged 18-50 years who volunteered and satisfied the inclusion criteria. Ethical clearance was sought and obtained; and measurements which included stature and hand length were measured with an anthropometer and a small sliding vernier caliper respectively, upon full consent of the participants. The data collated was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Mean stature values of 175.12±6.61cm, 165.53±6.69cm and 170.33±8.19cm were recorded for the males, females and the pooled sample respectively. The mean values of the right, left and combined hand lengths in the males, females and the pooled sample ranged from 19.67±0.94cm to 20.91±0.77cm. Independent t test exhibited statistically significant gender differences (P<0.05) for all the parameters, with the males having consistently higher values than the females. Paired t test revealed the existence of bi-lateral asymmetry between right and left hand lengths in the males and the pooled sample (P<0.05). Significant positive correlation coefficients of stature with hand length were found to range from 0.569 to 0.739 in the study. The multiplication factors computed for stature prediction from hand length ranged from 8.375 to 8.450 in the males, females and the pooled sample. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that stature can be predicted from hand length. The prediction models established from this study will be very useful in disaster victim identification from mutilated human remains in Nigeria.

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