ESTIMATION OF STATURE FROM FOOT DIMENSIONS AMONG STUDENTS OF RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA

*Benwoke Woroma Ibiwari, Bienonwu Emmanuel Osemeke, Victor Progress Dakuro, Atari Nengi Deborah, Osaro Patience Chikere

ABSTRACT

Stature estimation is a key aspect of forensic anthropology and personal identification, particularly in situations involving mass disasters or fragmented human remains. This study investigated the relationship between foot dimensions and stature among students of Rivers State University, Nigeria, with the aim of developing regression equations for stature estimation. A total of 394 healthy students (197 males and 197 females) aged 18–30 years were randomly selected. Stature, foot length, and breadth were measured using standardized anthropometric techniques. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression. The mean stature was 169.19 cm in males and 161.77 cm in females. Mean foot length was 26.32 cm in males and 24.53 cm in females, while mean foot breadth was 9.53 cm and 8.64 cm, respectively. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between stature and foot length in both sexes (r = 0.44, p < 0.01 for males; r = 0.60, p < 0.01 for females; r = 0.62, p < 0.01 combined). Foot breadth showed a significant correlation with stature in females (r = 0.40, p < 0.01) and the combined sample (r = 0.41, p < 0.01) but was not significant in males (r = 0.10, p > 0.01). Regression equations indicated that foot length is a more reliable predictor of stature than foot breadth. The study concludes that foot length provides accurate stature estimation and can be effectively applied in forensic identification within the Nigerian population.

Keywords: Stature estimation, Foot length, Foot breadth, Forensic anthropology.