Deborah Abosede Akinola’s scientific contributions

Original Research Article Background: This study was aimed at investigating gender variation in digit ratios of the Igbo ethnic group. The study was an analytical cross-sectional design with volunteers age ranging from 18-60 years. For the purpose of this study, an individual was considered to be a Nigeria of a particular ethnic group if the parents and four grandparents are of the same ethnic group. Materials and Methods: Cluster sampling method was used for the study. The selection and collection of required parameters relied on informed consent of volunteers. This was done by giving them a copy of the informed consent letter which was signed and dated. A total of 460 subjects (230 males, 230 females) subjects were recruited for the study. The fingerprints were obtained using print scanner (Hp G3110 Photo scanner). Results and Discussion: Descriptive statistics of digit lengths and ratios of Igbo ethnic group. In the males the following Mean±SD were seen: Males Left L2D (cm) 7.05±0.72, Right L2D(cm), 7.07±0.69, Left L4D(cm) 8.14±1.23, Right L4D(cm) 8.10±1.27, In females: Left L2D (cm) 7.50±1.01, Right L2D(cm) 7.48±0.99, Left L4D(cm) 8.20±1.06, Right L4D(cm) 8.21±1.21. The males on the left had the Digit Ratio 0.87±0.04, while on the Right Digit Ratio was 0.87±0.02; In the females, the Left Digit Ratio was 0.91±0.03, Right Digit Ratio 0.91±0.04. In the total population, the Left Digit Ratio was 0.88±0.02 while the Right Digit Ratio was 0.87±0.04. Sexual dimorphism was seen in the mean lengths of the digits with the females having higher values than the men. It suggests that there could be hormonal contribution in the formation of the digit lengths. These implies that averagely, females have longer digit than men which could be used in forensic investigation where the sex of victim or assailant is unknown. Conclusion: The longer digits in women is thought to be a typical feminine feature. The result of the study depicted sexual dimorphism again in the digit ratios with the females having higher digit ratios than the males. This dimorphism results from the difference in androgen level between both genders. The more exposure to testosterone, the lower the digit ratio. This further strengthens what has been reported in the digit lengths.