Nasal Anthropometry: An Assessment Among the Akan and Ewe Ethnic Groups in Ghana

Abstract

The distribution of nasal types has been reported to be influenced by climatic adaptation as the nose is involved in conditioning inhaled air. Previous studies have reported differential nasal types and dimensions among varying populations which is very beneficial in planning for rhinoplasty and in forensic identification. However, there is inadequate data on nasal types and dimensions of the various ethnic groups in the Ghanaian population. Since it is inappropriate to apply nasal dimensions of one ethnic group to another, the current study sought to assess the nasal types and dimensions of Akans and Ewes in the Ghanaian population. Nasal height, nasal length, nasal tip protrusion, morphological nose width, and anatomical nose width were measured from 202 participants (116 Akans and 86 Ewes) aged 18–27 years belonging to the Akan and Ewe ethnic groups. Nasal index was calculated, and the frequencies of the nasal types among the two ethnic groups were determined. Ewe significantly had greater nasal length and nasal tip protrusion than the Akans. For both ethnic groups, sexual dimorphism was observed in morphological nose width and anatomical nose width, with males having greater values than females. The platyrrhine (broad nose) nasal type was predominant among the Akan and Ewe ethnic groups. The average nasal dimensions of the Akan and Ewe ethnic groups for the Ghanaian population have been reported in the present study, which will be useful in rhinoplasty intended for individuals belonging to these ethnic groups and in identification.