Correlation and Multiplication Factor Analysis of Craniofacial Measurements for Estimation of Stature and Facial Dimensions among Adult Rakhain Females in Bangladesh

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Forensic and physical anthropological identification relies heavily on precise height and facial dimension estimation, especially for populations that are underrepresented in existing literature. The Rakhain, an ethnic minority in Bangladesh, have unique craniofacial features but have not been studied much. This study aimed to assess the correlation between selected Craniofacial Measurements for the estimation of Stature and Facial Dimensions among Adult Rakhain Females in Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: This study took place at Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, among 100 adult Rakhain females living in Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh, from March 2018 to February 2019. We used standardized tools to measure stature and seventeen linear craniofacial measurements. Multiplication factors, computed craniofacial indices, and the Bland-Altman analysis were done to check the agreement between the measured and estimated values. Data were entered and analyzed on SPSS version 26. Results: Mean stature was 158.17 ± 3.87 cm. Mandible height had the highest multiplication factor for stature estimation at 41.50 ± 3.77, while head circumference had the lowest at 2.93 ± 0.11. For morphological face height, mandible height also yielded the highest factor at 2.79 ± 0.21. For maximum facial breadth, left ear width showed the highest factor at 3.96 ± 0.37. Correlation analysis found different associations between craniofacial dimensions and stature. Mandible breadth showed a weak negative correlation (r = −0.032), while maximum cranial breadth had a strong positive value. Conclusion: Craniofacial measurements, such as mandible height, ear dimensions, and nasal measurements, are useful for estimating height and facial dimensions in adult Rakhain females. These factors specific to the population can act as reference data for forensic identification and legal investigations in Bangladesh.