Abstract

This study was carried out to provide data on and compare the mean facial angle between male and female Ibo subjects. Methods: The study design was the cross-sectional descriptive type that involved 100 Ibo subjects aged between 18 and 30 years. The multi-stage sampling technique was used in this study. Simple random sampling was employed to select the research subjects. There was also stratified sampling such that equal number of the 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: Significant differences were found between Ibo males and females in measurements of the facial angle (P < 0.05). The mean facial angles of Ibo male and female subjects were 83.1 and 81.1 degrees respectively. Conclusion: A data base on the facial angle in Ibo people has been established. This database is recommended for use when formulating a treatment plan for this ethnic group.

Key words: Facial angle, Photometric, Ibo, Identification