Forensic Science International: Reports (Dec 2022)
Anthropometric study of craniofacial morphology among Nupe ethnic group in Niger State, Nigeria
Abstract
The development of an anthropometric craniofacial data base is a necessary multidisciplinary initiative. The purpose of this investigation is to obtain average parameters that define the soft tissue facial profile of the investigated population in order to provide an important reference for community, security, social and medical applications. This study determined the mean craniofacial parameters of 500 males and 500 females of Nupe ethnic group in Niger State, Nigeria. Male and female subjects with no anomalies in their craniofacial features were randomly selected from three tertiary institutions in Niger state of Nigeria. The nasal height, maxillary height, mandibular height, facial height, craniofacial height, cranial length and head circumference of age ranged from 20 to 35 years were measured with a sliding caliper and measuring tape. The results of the study showed that, males had significantly higher values than females for all the craniofacial parameters (P < 0.05), indicating a sexual dimorphism.Craniofacial measurements of the Nupes were also correlated with height and weight using Pearson’s correlation analysis and only head circumference had statistically significant correlation with height with correlation coefficient of + 0.43 for males and + 0.37 for females. No any craniofacial measurement was correlated with weight. The data presented in this study could be potentially useful in forensic medicine, craniofacial surgery, and anthropology.
