Abstract

Aim: To determine and compare the mean facial angle between male and female Itsekiris. Methods: This is a cross sectional study that involved 100 Itsekiris aged between 18 and 30 years. The multi-stage ampling technique was used in this study. The three local government areas in Itsekiri land were covered. Simple random sampling was employed to select the research subjects. There was also stratified sampling such that equal number of male and female subjects were selected. The subjects had the right-side photographs of their faces taken with a digital lens camera. Computer assisted analysis of the facial photographs was done. The following soft tissue points were introduced on the photographic images: the tragion (Tr), nasion (N) and pogonion (P). Results: The mean facial angles of Itsekiri male and female subjects are 83.8 and 82.9 degrees respectively. There is no sexual dimorphism (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The facial angle portrays ethnic and racial differences. This research establishes a data base on the facial angle in Itsekiri people. This data base is vital for use when formulating a treatment plan for this ethnic group.

Key words: Facial angle, Photometric, Ethnic, Racial