Anthropometry of thyromental distance of adult Ibibios and Annangs in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Ekanem AU; Inoh MI; Inoh EE; Etukudo SD

doi:10.61386/imj.v16i1.290

Authors

Ekanem AU Department of Human Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria
Inoh MI Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria
Inoh EE Rubies of Joy Foundation, Uyo, Nigeria
Etukudo SD Department of Human Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v16i1.290

Keywords:

Annangs, Ibibios, Nigeria, Thyromental distance

Abstract

The thyromental distance (TMD) is defined as the distance from the thyroid notch to mental prominence with the head fully extended. The objective of this study was to investigate thyromental distance among adults of Ibibio and Annang Ethnic groups of southern Nigeria. A total of 600 volunteers consisting of 313 (52.2%) males and 287 (47.8%) females, aged between 21-50 years were measured. Annang males and females had higher thyromental distance of (7.27 ± 0.06 cm; 6.91±0.05 cm) compared to the Ibibio males and females (7.13±0.06cm; 6.82±0.05 cm), respectively. The mean thyromental distance of the Annang subjects was significantly higher at p˂ 0.03 than that of the Ibibio adults. In most cases the highest mean thyromental distance was recorded within the 31-40 years age range.