The Arch Pattern Dermatoglyphics on the Toes of Hausa Ethnic Group of Nigeria

摘要

Dermatoglyphic has found application in establishing ethnic differences (Harlich et al., 2002). The plantar Arch pattern dermatoglyhics of the Hausa ethnic group of Nigeria has not been established, and a lot of work had been done in southern Nigeria. This work attempts to look into the plantar arch patterns of the Hausas in Northern Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 357 subjects was collected from persons who were truly of the Hausa tribe in Nigeria. 222 of the subjects were males while 135 were females. There was a significant difference in the plantar arch pattern on both sexes as confirmed by the chi-square test. There were differences on both feet. The percentage frequency of the arch pattern on the toes was greatest on the females and on the right toe (63%). The frequency was least on females (9.9%). The frequencies were greatest on the right toes of both sexes.