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Nasal measurements among major ethnic groups in Nigeria


HI Garandawa
OGB Nwaorgu
OM Oluwatosin

Abstract

Background: Parameters in anthropometry, including height, weight, length, thickness and widths of various part of the body vary amongst races and even among ethnic group of the same race. This study of nose dimensions in normal adult Nigerians, was carried out at University College Hospital, Ibadan. Nigeria between January and March 2001.

Objective: To provide baseline measurements of nose dimensions and standard nostril type for major ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Methods: The subjects were 300 adult Nigerians selected by convenience sampling method, composed of 169 (56.3%) males and 131 (43.7%) females. Two hundred and seventeen (72.3%) were Yorubas, 43 (14.3%) Ibos, 13(4.3%) Hausa/Fulanis and 27(8.9%) were other tribes. Nostril type was assigned according to the inclination of the medial longitudinal axis of the nostril following Topinard system. Other measurement includes length of the nose and 5 soft tissue nose measurements.

Results: The mean length of the nose found in the study was 46.6(4.9) mm, mean width 44.4(5.0)mm and the most common nostril type was Nostril type VI(57%) A significant tribe difference in the length of the nose, width of the nose and nasal tip protrusion was observed. Hausa/Fulanis having mean length of nose 49.7(9.0) mm, Yorubas had 46.2(4.9) mm. (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Similar study on Nigerians has not been reported in the literature; therefore, this study provides a baseline value of nose dimension among the major ethnic groups.

Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 4(1) 2006: 70-78

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eISSN: 1596-2407