Sexual Dimorphism and Relationship between Chest, Hip and Waist Circumference with 2D, 4D and 2D:4D in Nigerians

Abstract

Rescently the subject of 2D:4D ratio has received great attention because reports have linked to traits that are influenced by testosterone and estrogen. The present paper reports the study of 2D, 4D and 2D:4D and their relationship to some anthropometric traits in Nigerians. 1400 subjects (males = 713 and females n = 687) participated in the study. Lengths of 2D and 4D were significantly higher in males (P <0.001) while 2D:4D mean was lower in males than females (males = 0.95 ± 0.04 females = 0.96 ± 0.05, t = -1.73 and P < 0.001). 2D and 4D showed significant relationship with height, weight, chest, waist and hip circumferences. This study strongly confirms the sexually dimorphic nature of 2D:4D. Even though it fails to show relationship between 2D:4D and BMI, chest, waist and hip circumferences as reported in other studies. This could result from the multiethnic diversity of the Nigerian population.