Anthropometric Study of the Cephalic Index of Anambra State Students in Madonna University Nigeria

Background: Cephalometry is a subfield of anthropometry that involves the estimation of the cephalic index. The cephalic index is a significant metric used to ascertain the race and sex of an unidentified individual. Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive and cross-sectional and was conducted on Anambra State students at Madonna University. Elele campus, Rivers State, aged 16–24 years. The cephalic index was determined by applying the following formula: the maximum breadth of the head divided by the maximum length of the head, multiplied by 100. Hundred subjects, comprising 150 males and 150 females from Anambra State at Madonna University, were measured. Anthropometrical parameters measured were maximum head breadth and maximum head length. Results and Discussion: The analysis shows that there is no significant difference in the age groups with the cephalic indices of males and females. The prevalence of hyperbrachycephaly is significantly higher in males and females, while dolicocephaly is observed infrequently. Conclusion: This study shows that the males and females showed no differences on the basis of the cephalic index. It also reveals that the students in this study share similarities with Urhobo males and females based on their head types. The findings of this study will hold significant implications for the fields of forensics, medicine, and biometrics.