Sex estimation using discriminant analysis of hand dimensions among the adult population in Ghana

Abstract The identification of a person forms a significant aspect of forensic investigations. Hand index derived from hand dimensions plays an important role in determining sex, age and population affinity in forensic and legal sciences. Sex estimation from anonymous body parts has been very important in forensic and legal sciences. Sexual dimorphism has been reported using various body parts including hand dimensions in several countries, but no study using hand dimensions has been conducted among Ghanaians. This study, therefore, is aimed at using discriminant analysis in the estimation of sex from hand dimensions. A sample size of 150 participants was recruited into the study. They were made of 79 females and 71 males aged between 18 and 90 years (as maximum growth of hand is attained from age 18 years onwards). The lengths and breadths of both hands of each participant were measured. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 for Windows. The mean right-hand length was 17.42 ± 01. cm (females) and 19.1 ± 1.38 cm (males) while the left-hand length was 17.7 ± 1.18 cm (females) and 19.0 ± 1.38 cm (males). The predominant palmar type was the mesocheri and demonstrated high accuracy for the estimation of sex. The accuracy of sex estimation using the formula derived was 74.0 %. This serves as a preliminary study and further study in larger sample size would be helpful in sex discrimination among Ghanaians.