Estimation of Stature by Anthropometric Measurements of Inter-Acromial Length among North Karnataka Students A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and objectives: ABSTRACT Personal identification is an integral part of the investigation in cases of mass disasters where disintegrated and amputated body organs are found very frequently. Estimating stature from various parameters based on the above mentioned evidences becomes one of the most important and essential exercise for personal identification. The objective of this study is to derive a regression equation to estimate stature from the inter- acromial length suitable for North Karnataka region population. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study of one year duration from 1 November 2006 to 31 st October 2007. A total of 150 subjects ( 75 females and 75 males ) aged 21 years and above, studying in KLE’s health institutions, born and brought up in North Karnataka region are studied. Stature and inter-acromial length of each subject was measured using a standard anthropometer rod set and the data was statistically analyzed to derive regression equations. Results: Three sets of regression equations were derived after statistical analysis of the data. They are: viii st 1. Females and males combined 2. Females only 3. Males only Interpretation and conclusion: The present study revealed that there exists a positive and significant correlation between stature and inter-acromial length in both the sexes and that stature can be estimated with the inter-acromial length when mutilated upper parts of the trunks are available. Results of the present study indicate that the stature can be estimated with inter- acromial length by using the regression equation: Males and females combined: y = 103.82 + 2.1 x with a standard error of ±5 cm. Females only: y = 103.62 + 1.6 x with a standard error of ±4 cm. Males only: y = 167.50 + 0.20 x with a standard error of ±6 cm. Where y is stature and x is inter-acromial length in cm. The above equations are suitable for North Karnataka region population.