Regression Equations for Birth Weight Estimation using Anthropometric Measurements of Hand and Foot of Hausa new Born Babies in Kano-Nigeria

It has long been established that birth weight is a major determinant of infant morbidity and mortality in the first year of life. This is because it is an important predictor and an indicator of newborn morbidity and mortality, and has been accepted as the most reliable index of health status of the community. In this study, Birth Weight has been estimated from anthropometric measurements of hand and foot. Linear regression equations were formed from each of the measured variables. These simple equations can be used to estimate Birth Weight of new born babies, in order to identify those with low birth weight and referred to the appropriate health centre. A sample of 551 neonates (295 males and 256 females) were randomly selected and measured for each of the parameter (hand length, hand breadth, foot length and foot breadth). It was shown that the four measured parameters correlate with Birth Weight at different degrees (Pearson’s correlation analysis was used in calculating the level of significance), and the p - value was significant at 0.01 level (2-tailed). Among the measured variables, foot length had the highest correlation value of 0.657, followed by hand breadth with correlation value of 0.601.Hand length had correlation value of 0.513 and then foot breadth was having the least correlation value of 0.507. This study highlighted a strong correlation between birth weight and the measured variables, and multiple regression equations were formed for each of the measured variables which can be used to estimate birth weight.Keywords: Hausa, Birth Weight, Hand Length, Hand Breadth, Foot Length, Foot Breadth

Estimation of stature from hand and foot dimensions in Hausa neonates: A hospital-based study

Stature (body height) is an important and useful anthropometric parameter for identification of an individual. The aim of the study is to find the correlation between Stature (Length) and measurements from hand and foot dimensions (Hand Length, Hand Breadth, Foot Length and FootBreadth). 501randomly selected Hausa neonates (zero to 28 days) were measured for each of the parameters. All the parameters showed to correlate with Stature at p < 0.01. Foot Length showed the highest correlation value of 0.75, while Foot Breadth had the least correlation value of 0.43. Hand Breadth and Hand Length also had correlation values of 0.62 and 0.60 respectively. Multiple linear regression equations were formed for each of the parameters. In conclusion, the study has provided regression equations that can be used to estimate stature in Hausa neonates of Kano State origin.Key words: Stature, Hausa neonates, Hand and Foot dimensions

Anthropomethric Studies of the Interpupillary Distance among the Igbos of South Eastern Nigeria

The objective of the study is to establish standards for the Near Inter pupilliary distance (NIPD) and Far Inter pupilliary distance (FIPD) among the Igbos of south eastern Nigeria. A total number of three thousand subjects were measured (male = 1500 and female = 1500). The sample size comprised of 500 males and 500 females for each group comprising of: adults (26-45 years), young adults (16-25 years) and children (7-15 years). The modified Viktorin's method was used in the study. There was significant sexual dimorphism observed in young adults NIPD and FIPD values, these values were higher in females, but in the group as a whole the male value was significantly higher than the female value for the FIPD. The difference between the NIDP and FIDP was statistically significant in all particular age groups in either sex. The overall anatomical far interpupillary distance (FIPD) was, on the average, wider than the near interpupillary distance (NIPD), with a difference of 6.4mm in males and 5.6mm in females. The knowledge of the normal values of these parameters in different races and ethnic groups can help in studying cranio-facial syndromes and reconstructive surgeries. It is useful also for commercial frame and lens design and in clinical consideration when designing binocular optical instruments