Characterisation of Finger Dermatoglyphics Traits and other Biometric Indices among Health Science Undergraduates of the Osun State University, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Finger dermatoglyphics has been useful in diagnosing genetically related diseases and detecting crimes. A cross-sectional study was carried out to establish the relationship between fingerprint traits and biometric indices Methods: Finger dermatoglyphics data were obtained using the ink method among the Health Sciences Students of Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. Finger pattern intensity, finger pattern distribution, and finger ridge counts were measured and compared. These were done by counting and classifying ridge patterns and pattern configuration of arches, loops, and whorls and counting their ridge densities. The subject’s height, weight, and colour of the pupil were measured and recorded, respectively Results: The ulnar loops and arches were the most predominant finger patter ns in females, while males showed significantly spiral whorls. The sex differences between these patterns were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Subjects with brown pupils demonstrated higher ulnar loop and elliptical whorl, while those with black pupils possessed significantly well-distributed arches, and were insignificant in pattern width and intensity. Body Mass Index (BMI) polymorphism showed the lowest pattern size (Finger Ridge Counts) demonstrated by significantly reduced total finger ridge count among the subjects with BMI range of 24-26 and predominance of the concentric whorl, radial loop, and arches. However, higher pattern size was observed in subjects with a higher BMI value 27-29 BMI range with corresponding ulanr and spiral whorl respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the prevalent biometrics measure of finger dermatoglyphics traits, in relations to the biometrics distribution of pupillary colour and body mass index among the Health Sciences Students of Osun State University, Osogbo Nigeria