A preliminary anthropometric study on second digit: Fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio and other hand dimensions for sex determination

Sex determination is one of the most important primary parameter in human identification. The development of forensic science in the world has provided identification tools and biometric systems for various identity cards. However, there is very little information available in Ghana on sex determination using Second digit: fourth Digit ratio (2D:4D), and hand dimensions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine sex using 2D:4D, and hand dimensions. This quantitative cross-sectional study involved 100 (46 males and 54 females) undergraduate students of the University aged 17–26 years. Measurements of 2D:4D, and hand dimensions of participants were taken with a flatbed scanner (CanoScan LiDe 120) and resultant hand prints images were measured using the parallel dimension tool in Corel DRAW X7 application software. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 20.0). The average hand length, breadth and index were found to be greater in males than in females. The predominant hand index for the study was Dolichocheri (Long fingers with narrow small palm) and the least common was the Hyperdolichocheri (Very long fingers with narrow small palm). The 2D:4D showed sexual differences and the male participants recorded significantly higher values for the right hands but no significant difference for the left. A binary logistic regression analysis was done to determine the sex of the participants using 2D:4D, and hand dimensions. The significance of the study is that, it has provided additional data for forensic work in Ghana.