Discriminant Function Analysis for Sex Determination Using Lower Limb Anthropometric Variables in Young Adults of Nigeria Population

Abstract Background: Sex determination is a fundamental aspect of forensic anthropology. Anthropometric analyses, particularly of the lower limb, have emerged as valuable tools, offering insights into population-specific for sex classification. While numerous studies have investigated sex dimorphism utilizing various morphometric parameters, limited attention has been directed toward lower limb anthropometry in Nigerian populations. Objective: The objective is to investigate the lower limb anthropometric variables for sex determination among young adults in the Nigerian population. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 360 young adults (180 males and 180 females) aged 17–34 years old by random sampling. The anthropometric variables such as femur length, tibia length, foot length, foot width, and foot index were measured. Correlation and discriminant function analysis were performed to ascertain the most discriminative variables for sex classification. Results: The femoral height, knee height, foot length, and foot width among males scored higher mean values than females. Strong positive correlation is seen between femoral height and knee height in males ( r = 0.851, P < 0.05) and females ( r = 0.781, P < 0.05). Foot length shows the highest potential in discriminating sex with percentage accuracy of 72.8% after cross-validation in univariate analysis. However, following multivariate discriminant function analysis, age, knee height, foot length, and foot width were chosen as the significant variables and increased percentage accuracy to 78% after cross-validation. Conclusion: Femoral height, knee height, foot length, and foot width are anthropometric parameters suitable for assessing sexual dimorphism among young adults in the Nigerian population.