Publication: Use of Head Circumference as a Predictor of Height of Individual
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Establishing personal identity is one of the main concerns in forensic investigations.
In forensic anthropology, estimation of height from head circumference has a
significant role in establishing personal identity.
Objective
The objective of the present study was an attempt to understand the relationship
between height and head circumference of an individual and to derive regression
formulae to estimate the height from the head circumference.
Method
The present study consisted of 440 (258 male and 182 female) students of age
group 17 to 25 years studying in Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences,
Dhulikhel, Nepal during the period from November 2012 to October 2013. Height
and head circumference of an individual were measured in centimeter. Data were
analyzed by using statistical software SPSS-16
Result
The findings of the present study were significant correlation between height and
head circumference (r = 0.443, p < 0.01 for male, r = 0.302, p<0.01 for female, and r =
0. 398, p < 0.01 for combined (male and female). The regression equation for height
and head circumference was found to be Y = 1.734X + 70.36 (R2 = 0.196) for male,
Y = 0.916X + 106.8 (R2 = 0.091) for female, and Y = 1.648 X + 71.69 (R2 = 0.158) for
combined (male and female), where Y is the height of Individual and X is the Head
Circumference.
Conclusion
Head circumference showed highly significant positive correlation with individual’s
height. Therefore, the present study will help in medico-legal cases in establishing
the identity of an individual and this would also be useful for Anatomists and
Anthropologists.
KEY WORDS
Forensic anthropology, head circumference, height of individual
Description
Mansur DI, Haque MK, Sharma K, Mehta DK, Shakya R
Department of Anatomy
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel, Nepal