Anthropometric Analysis of Cephalic Index in Orlu Population of Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The cephalic index is an anthropometric parameter indicating head shape and cranial proportions. This study aims to evaluate the cephalic index of the Orlu population of Imo State, Nigeria. Methods:  the study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design where 200 subjects, (100 females and 100 males) between the ages of 18-37 years were recruited for the study. Standardized anthropometric techniques were used to measure the head breadth and head length. Data analysis was done using a statistical package for social sciences version 23.  T-test and Chi-square were used to evaluate the head type. A probability less than 0.05 (p<0.05) was considered statistically significant and 95% was denoted as confidence level. Results: The study shows the average mean cephalic index of all subjects (77.68±9.85), while that of males and females was 79.08±7.16 and 76.2811.82, 76.28±11.82 respectively. The dominant type of head shape was the hyperbrachycephalic phenotype in males (61.9%), while the dolichocephalic phenotype in females (58.3%). Conclusion: The study evaluates the sexual dimorphism of the cephalic index, which shows that males have higher anthropometric values than females. This will be useful in forensic medicine and anthropological applications.