Male Linear Anthropometrics of Selected Nigerian Ethnicities: A Cross - Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims at evaluating selected linear anthropometrics of three Nigerian ethnic groups to provide baseline data for the creation of 3D Negroid anatomic models. Methods: The research design was a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique was multistage proportionate random sampling. The places of study were Imo, Oyo, and Kano States of Nigeria. The study lasted for one (1) year. Random selection of 1500 adult males from three major tribes (500 Igbo, 500 Yoruba, and 500 Hausa between the ages of 18 and 40 years). Tukey’s Post Hoc test of multiple comparisons was carried out to determine the specific ethnic groups that differ in specific anthropometric parameters. Results: The differences in standing height, arm length, and thigh length across the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba ethnic groups are statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that the Igbo and Yoruba groups had higher standing heights compared to the Hausa group. Arm length was longer in the Igbo and Yoruba groups compared to the Hausa group. However, thigh length was greater in the Hausa group compared to both the Igbo and Yoruba groups, while the Hausa group had longer thigh lengths than both the Igbo and Yoruba groups. The Igbo group displayed the largest arm span, whereas the Hausa group had the widest shoulder breadth. However, the Hausa group had a lower bi-iliac breadth in comparison to the other two ethnic groups.