Determination of Stature from Hand Anthropometry among Visayan Population in Philippines for Person Identification

Abstract

Background: Stature or height determination from amputated, mutilated limbs, skeletal remains or dispersed human body parts in mass disaster incidents is pivotal for victim identification. But it shows racial variations among different populations. Aim and Objectives: The present study was aimed to develop formulae to determine stature from hand anthropometry among Visayan/Bisaya population in Philippines since no anthropological data exists in the literature. Material and Methods: This study recruited 120 males and 120 females of Visayan population in Philippines. The sampling area is Philippines. Following the standard procedure, stature and ten hand measurements were collected from the participants. The obtained data were analysed statistically with SPSS software, version 23 and developed population specific regression equations to determine stature from hand anthropometry separately for males, females and pooled sample. Results: The mean stature of male (161.57 cm) was comparatively higher than female (150.84 cm). Similarly the mean hand length measurements of males are higher than female hand length measurements. The study developed regression equations to determine stature from and hand anthropometry. Conclusion: The developed population specific equations can be used to determine stature, even from partial hands with unknown gender. It is cautioned that these equations are population specific and unsuitable to apply for any other populations in the world or Philippines for stature determination.

Keywords

• forensic anthropology
• stature
• hand
• visayan