Anthropometric study of cephalometric indices among Idoma and Igede ethnic groups of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Anthropometric variables are important biometric characteristics that varies with age, sex, and tribe. Aim: Following the paucity of research in cephalometry as subdivisions of biological and forensic anthropology, this study was undertaken due to lack of adequate cephalometry among Nigerians. Methods: Four hundred and twenty five subjects were used for the study of which 158 were Igede and 267 were Idoma with mean age of 22.6, 0.45 and 23.0 0.47 year respectively. The anthropometric variables measured were head length, head width, bizygomatic distance, upper facial length, lower facial length, total facial length, nose width and skull height from which the cephalometric indices were calculated. Result: The result showed that there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in some of the measured variables between the Igede and Idoma tribes of Benue State as head length, head width. The result also showed a positive correlation between the head width and bizygomatic distance and other anthropometric variables which could be used to predict cephalic indices among the Igede and Idoma ethnic groups of Benue State, Nigeria. These results showed that the dominant head form among the Idoma and Igede Ethnic groups were mexocephalic respectively. Facial indices showed dominant hypereuriprosopic face. Conclusion: The present study could be used in forensic anthropology, establishing ancestral relationship and reconstructive surgeries of the face, head and neck of the two ethnic groups of Idoma and Igede of Benue State in north-central of Nigeria.

Key words: Anthropometry, cephalometry, dimorphism, indices, Benue, Nigeria