NASAL MORPHOLOGY AND ANTHROPOMETRIC VARIATIONS IN THE ANDONI POPULATION OF RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA: CLINICAL AND FORENSIC IMPLICATIONS

ABSTRACT This study investigated nasal dimensions among the Andoni population of Rivers State, Nigeria, providing normative anthropometric data and exploring their clinical and forensic implications. A total of 100 participants (63 males and 37 females) aged 18–45 years were randomly selected. Standardized anthropometric techniques were used to measure nasal height, nasal width, and nasal index. The results revealed significant sexual dimorphism: males exhibited larger nasal height (44.56 ± 2.78 mm) and nasal width (42.28 ± 3.21 mm) compared to females (42.24 ± 2.19 mm and 40.45 ± 3.34 mm, respectively). Independent t-tests confirmed significant differences (p < 0.05), although the nasal index showed no significant gender variation (p = 0.578). The platyrrhine nasal type predominated (87%), followed by mesorrhine (10%) and leptorrhine (3%). Correlation analyses revealed positive but weak-to-moderate associations between nasal height and width across sexes. These findings highlight the role of genetic and environmental influences in shaping nasal morphology, while also providing essential baseline data for clinical practice, forensic identification, and future anthropological studies.