Background: This study compares the hand patterns and 2D:4D digit ratios (index finger length divided by ring finger length) of the Ikwerre and Ogoni ethnic groups in Rivers State, Nigeria, documenting their finger measurements and prevalence of specific hand characteristics.
Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 1,925 participants, ranging in age from 15 to 60, were gathered through a straightforward random sampling method. Their index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) lengths were measured from the basal crease to the tip using a Digital Vernier Caliper. The 2D:4D ratios were then calculated for each subject on both hands. Based on the digit ratios, the overall hand patterns were evaluated, categorized as A, B, and C types, and then examined. IBM SPSS version 24.0 was employed for the data analysis. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value <0.05 and a 95% confidence level.
Results: The findings showed that the digit ratios of male and female Ikwerre subjects were 0.95±0.04 and 0.96±0.05, 0.97±0.08 and 0.98±0.05, respectively. The digit ratios for Ogoni males and females were 0.95±0.05 and 0.96±0.05, 0.97±0.05 and 0.97±0.05, respectively. Moreover, hand pattern A (2D˂4D) showed a higher prevalence in both genders in both ethnic groups. Right hand (82.1% for Ikwerre and 80.5% for Ogoni) and left hand (74.5% for Ikwerre and 77.4% for Ogoni), followed by pattern C (2D˃4D), right hand (17.5% for Ikwerre and 19.4% for Ogoni), and left hand (24.8% for Ikwerre and 22.3% for Ogoni). The least prevalent hand pattern was type B (2D=4D) for both genders across the ethnic groups.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that both Ikwerre and Ogoni groups have similar digit ratios, with hand pattern A being the most common, pattern C less common, and pattern B rare, showing consistent hand characteristics between the two ethnicities.
