Anthropometric Analysis of Cephalic Index in Orlu Population of Imo State, Nigeria
Published: 2024-11-23
Page: 466-472
Issue: 2024 - Volume 7 [Issue 2]
Faustina Chiamaka Irozulike *
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Patrick Leo Filima
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Joy Wilberforce Ekokodje
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
David Odah
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria.
Nicholas Asiwe
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria and Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The cephalic index is an anthropometric parameter indicating head shape and cranial proportions. This study aims to evaluate the cephalic index of the Orlu population of Imo State, Nigeria.
Methods: the study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design where 200 subjects, (100 females and 100 males) between the ages of 18-37 years were recruited for the study. Standardized anthropometric techniques were used to measure the head breadth and head length. Data analysis was done using a statistical package for social sciences version 23. T-test and Chi-square were used to evaluate the head type. A probability less than 0.05 (p<0.05) was considered statistically significant and 95% was denoted as confidence level.
Results: The study shows the average mean cephalic index of all subjects (77.68±9.85), while that of males and females was 79.08±7.16 and 76.2811.82, 76.28±11.82 respectively. The dominant type of head shape was the hyperbrachycephalic phenotype in males (61.9%), while the dolichocephalic phenotype in females (58.3%).
Conclusion: The study evaluates the sexual dimorphism of the cephalic index, which shows that males have higher anthropometric values than females. This will be useful in forensic medicine and anthropological applications.
Keywords: Head breadth, head length, orlu, cephalic index