Stature estimation in living humans using hand measurements among different ethnicities residing in Karachi, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59736/IJP.24.02.1094Keywords:
Forensic Anthropology, Ethnic Variation, Hand Measurements, Hand Anthropometry, Stature EstimationAbstract
Background: Stature estimation is an essential component of establishing a biological profile of an individual. especially in cases where the bodies recovered are mutilated or in the form of fragmentary remains. As stature is population specific, we aim to determine association between hand measurements and stature, and develop predictive formulas for estimating stature among different ethnic groups in Karachi.
Methods: A Descriptive Cross-sectional study conducted at OPD of University Hospital from April 2024 till March 2025. This study included 271 individuals from 5 major ethnicities residing in Karachi by convenient sampling. Both males and females between 18-60 years of age were included in the study. A proforma was used to record data. Stature was measured using a stadiometre and hand length and breadth using a Vernier calliper. Correlation analysis was conducted using Pearson's coefficient. A simple linear regression analysis was performed to generate the model that can be used for stature prediction.
Results: Significant difference was revealed between males and females with p value of <0.001 in all measured dimensions with higher mean values in males than females. Significant difference was observed between different ethnicities on the basis of their Left Hand Length (p value = .031) Left Hand Breath (p value = .050) Right Hand Breath (p value = .025). All variables showed a moderate to strong positive correlation with stature with highest correlation with hand breadth in Balochis (r = 0.890) whereas weakest correlation is seen with hand length in Punjabis (r = 0.568).
Conclusion: This study concluded that hand measurements can serve as a reliable tool for estimating stature among living adult population of different ethnicities residing in Karachi.
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