A Comparison of Linear Anthropometric Body Features of the Igbo, Ijaw and Yoruba Ethnic Groups of Southern Nigeria

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the linear anthropometric body features of the Igbo, Ijaw and Yoruba, the three major ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria. The research design was a cross-sectional design.

Methodology: The study made use of a total number of one thousand two hundred (1200) subjects divided into four hundred (400) subjects randomly selected from each of the Igbo, Yoruba and Ijaw ethnic groups of southern Nigeria whose ages ranged between 21 to 40 years with BMI of 18.50 to 30.00. Due to bone density, subjects whose BMI fell within the category of overweight according to conventional BMI classification, looked apparently healthy and were included in the study. Determination of minimum sample size was done using the Taro Yamane’s formula. BMI and linear body anthropometric measurements were taken using stadiometer, calibrated flexible meter tape, meter rule and weighing scale. Statistical analysis was done using statistical package for the social science (SPSS version 25.0) and Microsoft Excel 2019. Continuous variables were presented as mean±SD; minimum and maximum. Age was grouped into two categories (21 – 30 and 31 – 40) years. Body Mass Index (BMI) was also grouped into two; normal weight and slightly overweight. Independent sample t-test was thus carried out to determine significant difference in the measured anthropometric variables across age and BMI groups. Confidence interval was set at 95%, therefore p< 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Results were presented in charts and tables. Variations were observed across the different ethnic groups. Age related changes and variations in BMI were also observed in the anthropometric parameters studied. On comparison with other racial populations, certain parameters were close while most showed marked variation which underscores racial variation. Though certain degree of variation was observed across the three negroid ethnic groups, it is not adequate to subcategorise these Southern Nigerian ethnic groups.

Conclusion: These anthropometric values not only provide a description of the standard linear anthropometric body features of southern Nigeria but could find use in anthropological and medical studies, standardization of anatomical models as well as in the design of products to fit this negroid population.