Determination of age, sex, and height using lower jaw measurements among Tiv ethnic group of Benue State

Abstract

Background & Aims:The identification of unknown human remains is a crucial aspect of forensic practice, especially in cases of putrefaction, skeletonization, or mutilation.Secondary methods such as anthropological profiling play a vital role in estimating sex, age, ancestry, and stature, contributing to the overall forensic investigation.This study aimed to investigate the use of lower jaw measurements for determining age, sex, and height among the Tiv ethnic group in Benue State.Materials & Methods: Four hundred participants (200 females and 200 males) aged 18-50 were included in the study.Biodata were collected using a questionnaire.Participants stood upright, facing forward, with the lower jaw exposed for measurements.Mandibular length was calculated as the sum of the tragus-to-angle and angle-to-symphysis distances, while mandibular width was measured as the distance between the mandibular angles.Symphysis height was determined by measuring the distance between the highest and lowest points of the chin.Height was recorded using a tape stadiometer, measuring from the vertex to the heel.Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 23, employing descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results:The study revealed significant differences in various lower jaw measurements between males and females (P 0.01), supporting their potential utility in sex determination.However, mandibular symphysis height was not reliable for sex determination within this group. Conclusion:This study highlights the importance of lower jaw measurements in forensic anthropology, particularly for sex determination within the Tiv ethnic group.The findings of this study have implications for forensic investigations in the Tiv ethnic group, where multiple parameters may be necessary for the accurate identification of unknown human remains.