Anthropometric Estimation of Stature, Morphological Face Height, and Maximum Facial Breadth, and Determination of Craniofacial Morphometric Types among Adult Rakhain Females in Bangladesh

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Accurate craniofacial anthropometry is crucial for forensic identification, surgical planning, and anthropological studies. However, normative craniofacial data for the Rakhain ethnic minority in Bangladesh are lacking. The study aimed to estimate stature, morphological face height, and maximum facial breadth from craniofacial measurements and to determine craniofacial morphometric types among adult Rakhain females. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 adult Rakhain females aged 25–45 years in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Seventeen craniofacial parameters and stature were measured. Multiplication factors were derived, and craniofacial indices were calculated. Pearson’s correlation and Bland-Altman agreement analyses were performed. Results: The mean stature was 158.17 ± 3.87 cm. Morphological face height showed a weak but significant correlation with stature (r = 0.224, p = 0.025). Mandible height and nasal height were moderately associated with facial height. Head circumference and biocular width significantly predicted facial breadth, while maximum cranial breadth and nasal width were not significant predictors. Multiplication factors provided highly accurate stature and face height estimates, with minor underestimation noted for facial breadth. The population was predominantly mesocephalic (56.6%) and mesorrhine (72.38 ± 7.54), with a wide-jaw facial morphology in 71.9% of cases. Conclusion: The study establishes important baseline anthropometric data for adult Rakhain females, demonstrating the need for ethnic-specific standards in forensic and clinical practice in Bangladesh.