Preliminary Study on Hand Dimensions as Potential Predictors of Ethnicity of Female Populations in the Forest and Savanna Zones of Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Background The hand is a versatile structure that performs numerous tasks, ranging from exertion of great force such as grip, pinch and torque to execution of precise fine motor skills. Objective The aim of current study was to undertake a preliminary study on hand dimensions as potential predictors of ethnicity of female populations in the forest and savanna zones of Ghana. Methods A total of one hundred (100) female students aged between 17–24 years were recruited into this study, comprising of 53 Akans from the forest zone and 47 Northerners from savanna zone of Ghana between 12th June to 27th July, 2023 at the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Results Statistically significant positive correlation was observed between left hand length and right hand length (R = 0.923, p = 0.000). Binary regression model indicated that right hand breadth was nearly two and half folds likely to predict Akan ethnicity (OR = 2.46, 95%CI [0.29, 20.93]). Conclusion The study observed significant differences in right and left hands breadths dimensions among the Akans and Northerners from the forest and savanna zones of Ghana.