European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

DIGIT RATIO OF PRISON INMATES WITHIN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

*Gwunireama I. U., Ogoun, T. R. and Tobia P. S.

ABSTRACT

Digit ratio is a putative biomarker for the concentration of testosterone in utero. The present study was aimed at documenting the values of the digit ratio of the prison inmates within the South-South region of Nigeria. A total of 399 prison inmates drawn from Maximum Security Prison creek Road, Port Harcourt and Federal Prison, Ahaoda (Rivers State), Okere Prison, Warri (Delta State), Oko Prison, Oko-Ogba and Benin Prison, Benin City (Edo State) and Ikot Abasi Prison, Ikot Abasi (Akwa Ibom state) all in South-South Nigeria were used for this study. 358 were males (89.72%) and 41 (10.28%) were females. Those having any form of hand deformity were excluded. Second and fourth digit lengths were measured from the basal crease of the 2nd and 4th digits to the tip using digital veneer calliper. The measurements were done twice and average value recorded. The measurements were done on the right and left hands. Values obtained were tabulated. Digit ratio (2D:4D) was then calculated by dividing the length of the second digit by the length of the fourth digit and the values recorded for both hands. The data was analyzed using SPSS software. The second to fourth digit ratios on both hands were observed to be higher in males compared to the females. Digit ratio was unexpectedly lower in the females compared to the males. Males had digit ratio of 0.97 on both hands while females had digit ratio of 0.96 also on both hands. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).The results of this study showed that women‘s involvements in crime is minimal and recommends that more women be given position of leadership and trust.

Keywords: Digit ratio, Prison inmates and South-South Nigeria.