Anthropometric variability study of two Nigerian ethnic groups

Abstract

A survey of ten selected anthropometric dimensions of two Nigerian major ethnic groups (Hausa and Yoruba) living in southwestern Nigeria was conducted. The aim were to obtain anthropometric data that could be useful for design purpose and to examine possible differences between the data of the two ethnic groups and likely implications on equipment and workplace designs. A total of 306 subjects took part in the study. The results indicate that the Hausas generally have larger dimensions than their Yoruba counterparts. The differences in the dimensions were found to be statistically significant for height, overhead reach, popliteal height, sitting height and arm span (for males) and height, overhead reach, head height, hand breadth at the thumb, knee height, popliteal height, and arm span for the females at p < 0.05. The need to design equipment and workplaces taking into consideration the data of the ethnic groups was emphasised. Similarly, the importance of having a larger anthropometric database for the whole Nigerian population was also stressed.

Keywords: Anthropometric data; Nigerian; Ethnic group; Hausa; Yoruba.