Gender and Stature Estimate Based on Facial Measurements: an Anthropometric Study in Southwest Iranian Population

This study was aimed to evaluate the facial dimensions and their relation with gender and stature in the Iranian southwest population. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 southwest Iranian cases age 20-50 years (150 males and 150 females). Studied variables through physical anthropometry in both genders were Upper facial height (UFH), Total facial height (TFH), Facial Height (FH), Facial Width (FW), and intercanthal width (IC) using a standard sliding caliper and Collis. Regarding the sex and age of the individuals, general descriptive analysis of facial dimensions was determined. All measurements, except TFH and FH, were different between men and women (p≤ 0.01). In male subjects, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) revealed that IC (0.72 ⃰ ⃰ ), FW (0.58 ⃰ ⃰ ) and UFH (0.18 ⃰⃰ ⃰ ) parameters had a positive correlation with stature. In the female group, none of the facial parameters had a significant correlation with stature. Regarding the value of each facial diameter in discriminating male and female stature and gender, the highest discriminative value was specified to the FW (cutoff: 11.89, sensitivity: 89%, specificity: 11%) and IC (cutoff: 2.26, sensitivity: 98%, specificity: 0.04%) respectively. This study showed a significant association of some facial measurements with stature and gender in the southwest Iranian population. IC and FW had the most diagnostic value for gender and stature definition. It is shown a useful reference for the adult southwest Iranian population for facial recognition and that the subject’s sex should be considered during body identification procedures.