Background: Contraception is essential in population control, determining the number and spacing of children. The use of contraceptives has been on the rise because people do not always have sex for the purpose of procreation. Women of childbearing age prefer hormonal contraceptives, because they are highly effective and their effects are reversible. The aim of the study was to  appraise the anthropometric profile of women on hormonal contraceptives. Materials and Methods: The study included women on hormonal contraceptives from University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (family planning clinic) and those who do not use contraceptives, from University of Port Harcourt Post Graduate School. A total of two hundred (200) volunteers were involved in the study; 100 women on hormonal contraceptives and 100 women who were not under any form of hormonal contraceptive (as control) were randomly selected. Height was measured using a stadiometer and stature meter, weight, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage was measured using body composition monitor. Mid arm, waist, hip and neck circumference was measured using a measuring tape, while skin fold thickness was measured using a skin fold caliper. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel Data Analysis Tool pack (2019 Edition) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0). T-test was done to determine differences in anthropometric parameters for those on contraceptives and the control, and type of contraceptive (implants and injectables). Significant difference with regards to age and duration of contraception were determined using ANOVA at P < 0.05. Results: Except for skeletal muscle mass, women on hormonal contraceptives have higher but non-significant mean values for all anthropometric parameters compared to the control. Age related differences were not observed for the three (3) age categories involved in the study (20 – 29 years; 30 – 39 years; ≥ 40 years). Type of contraceptive (implants and injectables) also do not have any significant effect on the anthropometric parameters of the study group and the control. Gradual increase in measured parameters were observed over time, but no significant difference was observed over the period of five (5) years as categorized (< 1 year, 1 - 2 years, 3 - 4 years and ≥ 5 years). Conclusion: These findings will be relevant to gynecologists, obstetricians, family physicians , medical anthropologists and research scientists.

Background: Dermatoglyphics is an essential tool in population studies, identification of persons and diagnosis of diseases of genetic origin. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of finger dermatoglyphic patterns peculiar to Uturu indigenes of Abia State. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among the Uturu Indigenes of Isikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State Nigeria. A total of two hundred (200) volunteers comprising 100 Males (M) and 100 Females (F) participated in the study. The fingerprints of the thumb (I), index finger (II), middle finger (III), ring finger (IV) and little finger (V) were obtained from the right and left hands using digital scanners and computers. Data were obtained for finger dermal patterns, finger ridge count (FRC) and total finger ridge count (TFRC) Analysis of data was done using Microsoft Excel Data Analysis Tool pack (2016 Edition) and Chi Square test at p>0.05 was used to determine sexual dimorphism and bilateralism. Results: The patterns observed among sampled Uturu indigenes were Arch (AR), Central pocket loop (CP.L), Double loop (DL), Spiral whorl (SP.W), Ulnar whorl (UL). Uturu people have more ulnar loops in both hands [I; (Right; R) = 55%, (Left; L = 58%), II; (R = 60%, L = 59.5%), III; (R = 75%, L = 66%), IV; (R = 63%, L = 64%), V; (R = 85%, L = 83.5%)], followed by whorls [I; (R = 25%, L = 21.5%), II; (R = 26%, L = 23%), III; (R = 18.5%, L = 20%), IV; (R = 24.5%, L = 25%), V; (R = 9%, L = 9.5%)] and arches [I; (Right; R) = 9.5%, (Left; L) = 12.5%, II; (R = 11%, L = 12.5%), III; (R = 4%, L = 9%), IV; (R = 3%, L = 3.5%), V; (R = 2.5, L = 3.5%)], while radial loop was the least observed pattern (1.5% on the left index finger). The test for bilateralism showed no significant difference in the distribution of dermal patterns in the right and left fingers. In the index finger, significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the pattern distribution for the right between males and females. Uturu indigenes have more finger ridge count in the right thumb. Conclusion: The findings of the study will be relevant to biomedical anthropologists, Forensic Scientists and population studies experts.