Prevalence of left handedness among students of Bayero University, Kano

Abstract

In this study, environmental and possible inheritance from parents to off springs were evaluated as determinant of for left handedness among Bayero University, Kano students. Social and demographic data were obtained using a structured questionnaire which includes: number of left-handed individuals, perception of respondents on intelligence and creativity of left handers. Out of the 540 sampled individuals, 7.3% were left-handed, 92.1% were right-handed and 0.6% ambidextrous. With regards to intelligence and creativity, 74.38% generally believed that left handers are more intelligent and creative than right handers. The study also shows that there was a significant difference for hand preference in left handers (p<0.005). Left-handers preferred to use their left hand for uni-manual activities. It is apparent from the study, that left-handed individuals in the University were very few and the inheritance of this trait can be associated with either the father or the mother, but has more effect on the mother.