Relationship between hand, foot, and mandibular measurements in stature prediction in Cross River State, Nigeria.

Stature estimation is a fundamental component of human identification in forensic anthropology, particularly in cases of fragmented remains, natural disasters, or mass casualties. Anthropometric methods provide a reliable means of predicting stature from body dimensions. This study examined the relationship between mandibular, hand, and foot measurements and human stature, with the aim of developing regression models for adult indigenes of Cross River State, Nigeria. A total of 600 participants (300 males and 300 females), aged 18 – 45 years and of Cross River parentage, were recruited through random sampling. Anthropometric parameters measured included height, mandibular arch length, hand length, hand breadth, wrist breadth, foot length, foot breadth, and ankle breadth. Data were analyzed using the XLMiner Toolpak (Google Sheets). Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and linear and multiple regression analyses were employed. Significant sexual dimorphism was observed in all parameters, including stature (p < 0.01). Hand length (R = 0.603) and foot length (R = 0.582) demonstrated the strongest correlations with stature. Regression models generated mean estimated statures ranging from 164.813 to 164.854 cm, closely approximating the mean actual stature of 164.831 cm. Therefore, mandibular, hand, and foot dimensions are reliable predictors of stature among adults in Cross River State. These findings provide population-specific regression models that can be applied in forensic anthropology, medico-legal investigations, and related anthropometric studies in Nigeria.

Key Words: anthropometry, stature estimation, hand, foot, mandibular arch, regression models,