Sexual dimorphism and stature estimation from hand and foot variables in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Forensic anthropology relies critically on accurate sexual differentiation and stature estimation from skeletal remains, particularly in populations with significant ethnic diversity. This study investigated hand and foot measurements among the Yoruba population in Ondo State, Nigeria, to develop population-specific anthropometric models for forensic identification and individual characterization. A comprehensive crosssectional study was conducted with 300 participants (110 males, 190 females) aged 17- 55 years. Researchers meticulously measured hand and foot dimensions, including hand length, hand breadth, wrist diameter, foot length, and foot breadth. Advanced statistical analyses were employed, encompassing independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, stepwise regression, and discriminant function analysis to explore the intricate relationships between these physical measurements, sex, and stature. Significant sexual dimorphism was observed across all hand and foot measurements (p < 0.001), with males consistently demonstrating larger physical dimensions. Right hand breadth (RHB), right hand length (RHL), and right foot length (RFL) emerged as the most robust sex predictors, achieving an impressive 88.7% accuracy in discriminant analysis. Stature estimation revealed that hand and foot measurements explained 37.6% of variance in males and 22.8% in females. Notably, RHB proved most significant for male stature prediction, while RFL was most predictive for females. These findings substantially enhance the anthropometric database for Nigeria, offering pragmatic forensic applications for population-specific identification. The research underscores the reliability of hand and foot measurements in sex determination and stature estimation within the Yoruba population, providing valuable insights for forensic anthropology and archaeological investigations.