Sexual dimorphism in the lip print pattern and size among Ugandan, Kenyan and Somali population
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Forensic Science International: Reports
Abstract
Lip prints are essential identification tools in forensics. Lip prints are individually unique and
inheritable which makes them possible for personal identification.
Aim: We studied sexual differences in print patterns and sizes among Ugandans, Kenyans and Somalis.
Method: In this descriptive study of 180 adults (60 from each country) clear lip print impressions were made on clean
pieces of white plain papers. Lip prints were divided into quadrants and we used Suzuki and Tsuchihashi (1974)
classification to study the patterns. Lip length and width were measured in centimeters.
Results: Lip print Type I and Iā were dominant in a range of 60ā100% in both males and females of all countries.
Kenyans had more of Type II (males 26%; females 40%) while Somalis exhibited more of Type IV males 56%; females
46%. However, Ugandans had the least number of Type IV pattern 6.6% males and 13% females. There was no Type
V in all the participants. Statistical analysis using a 2-way ANOVA showed statistical significance in the lip print
patterns among the different population groups. In the male subjects, Ugandans had wider lips (5.48cm
0.50)
while Kenyans had longer lips (5.14cm
0.85). In the females group; Ugandans had wider lips (4.99cm
0.59)
while Kenyans had longer lips (4.36cm
0.71). Statistically significant difference was observed between the means
of lip sizes.
Conclusion: This study shows that the lip print pattern and lip size varied significantly among the different population
groups. This variation can help to narrow the search gap in criminal investigations and forensic purposes.
Description
Keywords
Sexual dimorphism, Lip print pattern, Lip size
Citation
Ayuba, J. T., Echoru, I., Ssempijja, F., Ann, M. L., Edgar, F., & Buhari, M. (2019). Sexual dimorphism in the lip print pattern and size among Ugandan, Kenyan and Somali population. Forensic Science International: Reports, 1, 100012. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2019.100012