Estimation of Stature Using Forearm-Hand Length with Univariate Linear Regression Analysis among the Igbo Population in Nigeria

Background: Physical anthropometric analysis for stature estimation is a valid identification process in forensic anthropology and biomedicals. The study aims to estimate stature using the forearm-hand length among the Indigenous people of Igbo, Nigeria.

Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design to generate physical anthropometric data of standing height and forearm-hand length among the indigenous Igbo. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used, and the sample size was calculated using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected directly from the respondent with the aid of a stadiometer and a non-stretchable measuring tape. The data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25.

Results: This cross-sectional study examined forearm-hand length and stature anthropometrics among 600 indigenous Igbo individuals (300 males and 300 females) aged 18-35 years. Males showed significantly larger forearm-hand length (FHL) and stature than females, with mean FHL and stature of 50.56±2.86 cm and 176.70±6.46 cm for males, and 47.41±2.25 cm and 165.97±5.02 cm for females. No age-related differences were observed in FHL and stature. FHL was moderately correlated with stature for both sexes (males: R=0.59, females: R=0.54, p=0.0001) and proved to be a good predictor of stature, with the overall model given as S = 80.57 + (1.85 × FHL). Stature prediction was more accurate for males (r²=0.35) than for females (r²=0.29).

Conclusion: This study found no age-related differences but significant sex differences in forearm-hand length, which was a better predictor of stature overall, with more accurate predictions for males than females.