Sex-Specific Regression Models for Stature Estimation from Finger Lengths in a Nigerian Cohort

Abstract

Aim: Forensic anthropology plays a critical role in the identification of human remains within legal contexts. Among the core parameters in forensic investigations—age, sex, ethnicity, and stature—stature estimation is particularly important when dealing with unidentified, dismembered remains. This study aims to explore the relationship between stature and the lengths of the thumb, index, middle, ring, and little fingers, and to develop both linear and multiple regression models for estimating adult stature based on these measurements. Study Design: Study sample consisted of 284 students (98 males and 186 females) from Olabisi Onabanjo University in South-Western Nigeria, aged between 17 and 27 years. Materials and Methods: Each subject was thoroughly examined for stature, finger lengths, hand breadth, and wrist breadth of the right hand. Individuals with vertebral deformities or congenital conditions such as camptodactyly were excluded from the study. The mean ages of the male and female subjects were 21.19 years (SD = 1.41) and 19.79 years (SD = 1.46), All measurements were obtained using standardized techniques. Results: Results indicated that males generally had significantly longer statures and finger lengths compared to females. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between stature and finger lengths for most fingers, except the little finger in males. Both linear and multiple regression models were created to estimate stature from finger lengths, with the predictive accuracy being higher for females than for males. The study further revealed that the correlation coefficient (R) and coefficient of determination (R²) values were enhanced in the multiple regression models compared to the linear ones. Conclusions: The findings highlight the potential applicability of sex-specific regression models in forensic investigations, emphasizing their utility in stature estimation.