DETERMINATION OF STATURE FROM STERNAL LENGTH OF ADULTS OF IGBO ETHNIC GROUP OF NIGERIA
Oladipo G. S.*, Okoroafor S. K. and Alabi A. S.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Stature provides insights into various features of a population including initial health and genetics. It is considered as one of the parameters for personal identification. Aims and Objectives: The present study therefore estimate stature from sternal length of adult Igbo in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 300 adult Igbo Nigerians traced to the second filia generation, comprising of 150 males and 150 females were included in the study. Direct linear measurements of the length of the sternum were done by locating its sternal notch down to the tip of the xiphoid process using tape measure and height was measured. The data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package of social science (SPSS) version 19.0 for descriptive statistics, t-test, correlation and regression to derive equation for estimation of height. Confidence level was set at 95%; as P-values ≤0.05 were considered significant. Results: The mean height of the studied population was 1.63±0.07m, as males (1.68±0.06m) were taller than females (1.58±0.04m).The mean±S.D values for the sternal length of the total population were 0.16±0.01mm. For males; 0.16±0.01mm, while female was 0.16±0.01mm. There was a significant difference in the mean values of males and females for all measured sternal length [F1.9>; P<0.001] and were significant predictors of the stature of the general male and female population (P<0.001). The accuracy of prediction model for stature from sternal length for the general population was above average (R-sq; 0.8-73.35). While males had strong prediction (R-sq; 0.77-59.30), the female had (R-sq; 0.69-48.72). Regression equations were derived but with a weak positive correlation. Conclusion: This study suggests that the sterna length can predict the stature of adult Igbo Nigerians which is also sexually dimorphic.
Keywords: Sternal length, Stature, Sex, Igbo, Anthropometry.
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