Discriminant Function Analysis as a Proof for Sexual Dimorphism among the Yoruba Ethnic Group of Nigeria: A Cephalometry Study

Abstract

Background: Forensic scientists study human skeleton in legal setting. Discriminant function analysis has become important in forensic anthropology. The aim of this study was to determine the sex of adolescent Yoruba ethnic group of Nigeria using iscriminant function analysis. Methodology: One thousand (500 males and 500 females) were used. Eight cephalometric parameters were measured, namely head length, head width, bizygomatic distance, skull height, upper facial height, lower facial height, total facial height and nose width. Discriminant function analysis was done Results: Discriminant function score equation was determined for both direct and stepwise approach for the determination of the adolescent Yoruba population of Nigeria with between 89.70 %( direct) and 91.10% (stepwise) Conclusion: This study shows that these cephalometric parameters are sexually dimorphic and therefore could be used in sex determination especially in crime scenes where the body is mutilated but the head is left intact.

Key Words discriminant function analysis, sex determination, Yoruba, Nigeria