Predictive Modelling of Stature from percutaneous Anthropometric Hand Dimensions of Adolescent Nigerian School Children

Abstract

Background: The literature on stature estimation by predictive regression modelling using percutaneous anthropometric dimensions in adolescent children in West Africa is sparse. This study evaluated the predictive relationships between hand anthropometric dimensions and stature in Nigerian adolescent school children in Lagos. Methods: A randomized study sample of 483 (240 males and 243 females) volunteer Nigerian adolescent school children aged 10-17 years were recruited from the Nigeria Airforce Secondary School, Lagos. Stretch stature and eighteen anthropometric variables (right and left sides), including hand length, hand breadth, palm length, wrist width and the five digital lengths (D1-D5) were estimated according to standardized protocols. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using SPSS version 25.0 and Microsoft Excel statistical packages. The dataset included descriptive and inferential statistics while the predictive models were generated by simple and multiple linear regressions and presented as tables, graphs and scatterplots. Results: In this study the stature for boys at age 10 years was 142.57(± 6.69) cm, ranged 125.7-161.8cm, while for 10 years old girls, stature was 144.55 (±5.8) cm ranged 132.9-153.4cm. With a t=1.128 and p=0.2646. Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient and simple and multiple linear regression modelling showed varying levels of association between stature and hand dimensions with the strongest positive correlation being between stature and the male left hand length (r=0.853), while female right and left palm length and stature showed the weakest positive correlation (r=0.024 and 0.028). Conclusion: These findings should be of benefit to anatomists and forensic scientists when considering cases of possible missing identities in disaster or crime scene scenario.