Evaluation of linear facial photogrammetry of the Ibibio Ethnic Group of Nigeria, resident in Port Harcourt

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The face plays a major role in identification of every individual. However, variations exist in facial features of various races and ethnic groups. This study aimed at using photogrammetry to assess the linear facial features of the Ibibio ethnic group of Nigeria resident in Port Harcourt.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study utilized a total of 500 subjects of Ibibio origin residing in Port Harcourt comprising 250 males and 250 females aged between 21 - 45 years. Linear anthropometric parameters were evaluated using a computer aided facial analysis programme, the WinImager®. Statistical analysis was done using XLSTAT software for Windows, version 2021.50. Continuous variables were presented as mean±SEM.

RESULTS: Results showed mean values for forehead height (54.48±0.13mm), midface height (57.24±0.12mm), lower face height (59.55±0.12mm), Facial width (130.62±0.05mm), eye fissure width (30.34±0.05mm), outer canthal distance (103.36±0.12mm), inner intercanthal distance (33.3±0.13mm), Nasal height (48.15±0.14mm), Nasal tip projection (12.65±0.08mm), Nasal width (38.78±0.1mm), Ear length (55.73±0.1mm) and Mouth width (52.95±0.12mm) for both sexes. For the males, the forehead height was 54.74±0.18mm, mid face height (57.50±0.18mm), nasal height (48.40±0.20mm), lower face height (59.81±0.17mm), outer canthal distance (103.60±0.16mm), inner intercanthal distance (33.54±0.18mm), nasal width (39.01±0.14mm), mouth width (53.18±0.09mm), eye fissure width (30.58±0.07mm), face width (130.83±0.07mm), nasal tip projection (12.79±0.11mm), ear length (55.95±0.13mm) while for the females, the forehead height was 52.23±0.18mm, mid face height (56.98±0.17mm), nasal height (47.90±0.20mm), lower face height (57.29±0.17mm), outer intercanthal distance (102.12±0.16mm), inner intercanthal distance (31.90±018mm), nasal width (38.54±0.14mm), mouth width (52.72±0.10mm), eye fissure width (28.10±0.08mm), face width (128.40±0.08mm), nasal tip projection (12.50±0.11mm) and ear length (53.51±0.13m). z-test was used to compare the difference in means. There was sexual dimorphism with male values being significantly higher (p<0.05) in most parameters except for nasal tip projection (p>0.05). Racial variation was observed when compared with studies in other populations.

CONCLUSION: These parameters are a good source of normative values that can be used in gross anatomical modeling, surgical as well as in forensic science.