Spousal Similarities and Differences in Physical and Cultural Traits among the Igbo Ethnic group in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated spousal differences and similarity in physical selected socio-cultural traits. Forty two couples of the Ibo ethnic group of Nigeria participated in the study. Anthropometric measurement taken: weight, height, skinfold thickness, waist, hip, mid thigh, arm and forearm circumference and blood pressure (BP). Socio-cultural traits investigated were level of education, exercise and method of spousal selection. Male spouses were significantly taller (P<0.001) and had significantly higher values for systolic and diastolic (BPs), and arm circumference (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001), hip and waist circumferences were higher in females (P<0.05, P<0.001). Marriages 15 years males were taller (P<0.001) had higher BP and forearm circumference (P<0.05) while females showed higher values for skinfold thickness. Marriages 16 years, females have significant waist and hip circumference and skinfold thickness (P<0.05, P<0.001). Only mate selection (r =0.69, P< 0.001) support the hypothesis that westernization is expected to increase spousal concordance due to the decreasing incidence of arranged marriages.