The cephalofacial characterization in humans: The study using igbo tribe in Nigeria

Background: Cranial and facial indices are among the most important craniofacial parameters most useful racial classification, categorization and forensic examination. In this, cranial and facial parameters serve as bio-anthropological tools for both biometric and crime scene purposes in the developed nation. Despite the rise in crime scenes and body mutilations in Nigeria, very little information is available on anthropometric variables using head and face of Igbo extractions.Aim: Aim of this study is to establish facial and head anthropometry in the bio-anthropological database for the South-Eastern Nigerians.Materials and methods: A total of 189 healthy individuals without cranial or facial deformities in Urban Secondary School, Abakaliki in Ebonyi State were recruited for the study.Results: The results of the study showed that male facial parameters had significantly higher dimensions than those of the female participants. The association between cranial and facial dimensions, sex and age using Pearson’s correlation analysis was done. Linear regression analysis was applied to determinestrength of relationship of the facial dimensions and age. The level of statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05 with confidence interval at 95%.Conclusion: the study characterized anthropometrics of face and head of Igbos in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria. From this study, Igbo ethnic group fall under the platyrrhine type of nose. Igbo males and Igbo females are mesocephalic from this study. On the average from this work, the mean C.I. in the Igbo tribe belongs to mesocephalic or medium headed population.Keywords: Abakaliki, Cephalofacial, Igbos, Forensic, Parameter

Analyzing Trio-Anthropometric Predictors of Hypertension: Determining the Susceptibility of Blood Pressure to Sexual Dimorphism in Body Stature

Background. Several studies had suggested that complex body stature could be a risk factor of hypertension. Objectives. We aim to correlate body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-height ratio (WHtR) of rural dwellers in Afikpo community, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, with blood pressure parameters. Furthermore, we aim to ascertain how each of the anthropometric variables affects blood pressure in men and women, respectively. Materials and Methods. A sample of 400 (200 males and 200 females) adults aged 18–89 years were selected for the correlation cross-sectional study. Data for weight, height, waist, and hip circumferences were collected by means of anthropometric measurement protocol with the aid of a calibrated flexible tape and health scale and mercury sphygmomanometer for measurement of blood pressure. A participant was classified as being hypertensive if systolic blood pressure (SBP) was >140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >90 mmHg. Pulse pressure was recorded as the numeric difference of SBP and DBP. Results. The result revealed that male BMI and WHR were higher than those of females while female WHtR was higher than that of males (P < 0.01). The prevalence of hypertension failed to correlate with sex among participants in the study (χ2 = 0.567; P < 0.05). Variation in SBP and DBP of both sexes was dependent on BMI, WHtR, and waist and hip circumference, but not on WHR. The SBP of both sexes and female pulse pressure did correlate with age (P < 0.001). Waist circumference, BMI, and WHtR correctly predicted the variations in SBP, DBP, and pulse pressure. Conclusion. The strength of association of BMI, WHtR, and waist girth with SBP and DBP of both sexes was robust and similar, but inconsistent with WHR. Thus, a simple estimation of the trio-anthropometric predictors could serve as a means for routine check or preliminary diagnosis of a patient with hypertension