Prediction of Nasolabial Distance using Thumbprint Ridge Density among the Hausa Population of Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the potentials of thumbprint ridge count in the prediction of nasolabial facial distances among the Hausa population of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which a total of 457 subjects participated. Plain fingerprints were captured using a fingerprint scanner. Three areas, ulnar, radial and proximal were defined for determination of ridge counts. A photographic method was used to capture the facial images. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to measure the linear dependence between thumbprint ridge density and Nasolabial distances. Stepwise linear multiple regression analysis was used to predict nasolabial distances from thumbprint ridge density. SPSS statistical software version 20 was used for the statistical analysis and a p-value of < 0.05 was set as a level of significance. Results: Results showed that in males left proximal ridge count correlates negatively with nasal length, philtrum length, and upper lip length and mouth width. The upper lip length and nasal width correlate negatively with left ulnar ridge count and right radial ridge counts, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between ulnar ridge count with nasal length and lower vermilion width. In females, appositive correlation was observed only between lower vermilion width and left proximal ridge counts. Left proximal ridge counts predict most of the nasolabial distances in males. In females, only the left proximal ridge counts showed potential in the prediction of facial distances. Conclusion: The study concluded that the thumbprint correlates with facial distances of the nasolabial region. The proximal part of the thumbprint may respond to the same instruction in utero with the lower part of the face, hence leading to the prediction of nasolabial facial distances from the proximal ridge counts among the Hausa population of Nigeria.

Keywords

• forensic science
• ridge density
• nasolabial region
• prediction
• hausa ethnic group