Ibrahim et al., JOBASFUD_2024_3_1_014
Keywords: Body Mass Index, Hausa ethnic group, Second to Fourth Digit Ratio and Waist to Hip Ratio
2024-08-01 DOI: JOBASFUD_2024_3_1_014
Background: The relative of the 2nd and 4th digits lengths (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait in which males have an affinity to have shorter 2nd digits relative to 4th digits than females. This shows that digit ratio (2D:4D) is a standby marker of prenatal testosterone The aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) with Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR). Methods Three hundred (300) subjects were selected from all the faculties in Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano, using simple random sampling technique. The lengths of the 2nd and 4th digits were determined using a digital vernier caliper. Height and weight were measured using stadiometer and weighing scale respectively. BMI and WHR were computed. The data were expressed as mean ± SD. Independent-samples t-test was used to determine the sexual dimorphisms between male and female and Pearson correlation was used to quantify the relationships between the study parameters. Results: The present study shows significant (P <0.05) differences between the sex in the right and left digit length, height and weight. However, there are no significant (P >0.05) differences between the sex in the digit ratio, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist to hip ratio. On correlation, it was noted that there was no significant correlation between both right and left 2D: 4D with BMI. However, it is found that digit length correlates positively with height and weight and there is a significant negative correlation between 2D:4DL with waist to hip ratio (WHR). Conclusion: There is also no correlation between 2D:4DR and WHR. However, it is observed that there is no significant correlation between BMI and WHR. But BMI shows significant positive correlation with waist circumference and hip circumference.