Morphometric Assessment of Second Digit and Fourth Digit among 18–25-year-old Yorubas in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, and Overview of the Significance

Abstract Background: Digit anthropometry is an important component of physical anthropometry widely assessed in different population for diverse applications. However, the anthropometry of second digit (2D) and fourth digit (4D) are often the most common assessed. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the digit morphometry among 18–25-year-old Yorubas in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, and to elucidate the significance. Materials and Methods: This study included 100 male and 100 female Yorubas between 18 and 25 years old. The lengths of 2D and 4D were assessed from proximal digital crease of digits to fingertips, and the 2D:4D ratio was evaluated. Data obtained were analyzed and presented as mean ± standard deviation and comparison was undertaken with a t -test while P < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant level. Results: The mean right and left 2D and 4D lengths for males were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than among females. Regarding the ratio of 2D to 4D, the right and left mean values among males (0.93 ± 0.03 cm and 0.92 ± 0.04 cm) were significantly lower ( P < 0.05) than values among females (0.99 ± 0.04 and 0.98 ± 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated sexual dimorphism without bilateral variation in the digit anthropometry among the study population. The results of the study offer important reference values which would be of great significance during the diverse applications among the study population.