Validity of Footprint Dimensions in the Estimation of Stature of Hausa Ethnic Group in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Footprints are of immense value in establishing the personal identity of individuals in forensic examinations and; identification of a  person with the help of footprint analysis as an emerging biometric technique. The aim of this study was to estimate the stature of the  Hausa ethnic group of Kano, using Footprints dimensions. The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted on 444 secondary pupils across selected LGAs in Kano. Their height was measured using a Stadiometer, and Footprint dimensions were measured from a plain  sheet. Descriptive statistic was carried out to determine mean ±SD and correlation; regression analyses were carried out to establish the  relationship and to derive predictive equations between the anthropometric parameters respectively. A statistically significant positive  correlation between height and Footprint length was found to be r=0.640 for the population. A predictive equation H=4.23xFPL+55.47  obtained can be used successfully for the estimation of stature.