Journal of Forensic Research

Stature Estimation of the Igbos Using Cephalo-Facial Anthropometry

Abstract

Jervas E, Anibeze CIP, Uloneme GC and Anyanwu GE

Estimation of stature is one of the biological profiles used in the identification of individuals in cases of mass disasters, plane crash, fatal auto crash, bombing, homicides, and in crime investigations. It is an important tool in Medico legal practice.

In the present study an attempt has been made to derive regression formulae to determine stature from cephalofacial dimensions. Informed consent was obtained and measurements were taken following standard protocols. The prediction function was derived through linear regression and multiple regressions for each of the measurement with stature, for the general population and for males and females separately. Cephalo-facial dimensions of 211 subjects females n=123 and males n=88 with mean age 23.58 ± 4.95 belonging to the Igbo population of Nigeria were studied. Eleven cephalo-facial measurements including stature were taken. The mean stature of both genders put together was 167.55 ± 9.10 cm while that of females and males were 163.17 ± 7.64 cm and 173.66 ± 7.30 cm respectively. Males were significantly taller than the females (p<0.0001). Accuracy of determination ‘R’ of stature from Cephalo-facial dimensions was highest for IOB and EBB in both genders put together; it was also highest using IOB in the females while MFH and MHB yielded that of the males.