Evaluation of Cephalic Index and Students’ Performance among Hausa Children in Azare North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: One of the most frequently used parameters for studying of racial differences amongst the populace is cephalometry. There is paucity of baseline information in the North Eastern part of Nigeria on population classification using cephalic index. Objective: Our aim was to assess the cephalic index and correlated with performance. Method: Cross sectional study was performed on 200 male secondary school students selected randomly for the study. Demographic data was collected through self administered questionnaire, the head and breath were measured using a spreading caliper from standard body landmarks to determine the cephalic index, and an Intelligent Quotient (IQ) test was administered to test the students’ performance. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Correlation performed using SPSS version 22, and the results were expressed as a mean ±SEM with statistical significant set at p< 0.05. Results: The results indicated a significant correlation between the cephalic index and IQ test performance (r value = Dolicocephalic (<74) 12.24 ± 0.04; Mesocephalic (75 – 79) 14.73 ± 0.47 and Brachycephalic (80 – 85) 18.50 ± 0.05, values were significant (p < 0.05). The two variables were related by the simple linear regression (SLR) equation as y= 62.91 + 0.5*x. On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between age and cephalic index as well as age and IQ (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Our finding established a relationship between cephalic index and students’ performance among children of Hausa ethnic group in Azare, Nigeria. However, further study needs to be carried out to have comprehensive information relating to cephalic index and student’s performance, particularly in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.