Anthropometric study of facial and nasal indices of the Akan ethnic population of Ghana

Introduction: Facial anthropometry is required in many medical and dental disciplines, particularly for prosthodontists, orthodontists, plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and forensic medicine experts. An individual's facial shape is a reflection of their race, age, and gender. The present study aimed at determining the facial and nasal indices among the Akan ethnic group in Kumasi, Ghana.Methodology: A total of 307 (182 males and 125 females) Akan adult volunteers between the age of 18 - 30 years were recruited for the study. Standard procedures were used to obtain the necessary facial and nasal measurements for generating the appropriate indices. A p-value of 0.05 or less was judged statistically significant.Results: In males, the facial index ranged from 75.28 to 117.90, while in females it ranged from 76.58 to 97.87. The nasal index ranged from 52.0 to 115.3 in males and 52.0 to 105.7 in females. There were significant differences between males and females in all facial parameters utilized to calculate facial and nasal indices. The facial index, but not the nasal index, differed significantly between Akan males and females. Mesoprosopic was the most prevalent face type in both male and female Akan populations, whereas mesorrhine was the most common nose type.Conclusion: The findings of this study can be used as a reference to improve the outcome of cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery and rhinoplasty, as well as for medico-legal purposes in the Akan people of Ghana.