Determination of Facial Index in the Population of Sangli District, India

Introduction: Facial index is effective in anthropometry to specify the facial proportion. Facial archetype isa guiding tool to the direction of growth of craniofacial complex. The Indian population relates to Mesoprosopic facial index which diverges from Hypereuroprosopic to Hyperleptoprosopic index. Facial index and facial types are important predictable factors in obstructive sleep apnoea as Euryprosopic facial type favors the nasal breathing mode. The present study reports about the variations in facial parameters in Hindu, Muslim and Christian population of Sangli district.

Aim and Objective: To measure and compare gender variations in facial index amongst Hindu, Muslim and Christian religion of Sangli district population. Based on facial index, to determine dominance of facial types in Hindu, Muslim and Christian religion of Sangli district population.

Materials and Methods: After ethical clearance from Institutional Ethical Committee, the present study was done on Hindu Muslim and Christian religion population (240 people) from 10 talukas of Sangli district in the age group of 18 to 40years. Informed written consent was obtained from each participant in the study. Facial height and breadth were measured in millimetres with reference to anatomical landmarks keeping head in Frankfurt horizontal plane. Facial Index was calculated as (Facial height ÷ facial breadth) x100. Depending on Facial Index, facial forms were classified according to Martin and Saller. Data was statistically analyzed to see religion difference and gender difference.

Observation: Measurement of facial height, facial breadth and facial index amongst Hindu, Muslim and Christian population of Sangli district showed statistically significant difference.

The mean value of facial height in Muslim (106.99 ± 8.43) is more than Hindu (103.73± 8.67) and Christian (102.58 ± 9.60,).The mean value of facial breadth in Christian (116.70 ± 7.89) is more than Hindu (115.47 ± 7.57) and Muslim (113.42 ± 7.80.)The mean value of facial index in Muslim (94.63 ± 8.41) is more than Hindu (90.19 ± 9.26) and Christian (88.02 ± 7.34). We observed Hyperleptoprosopic (Very Long Face)as the dominant facial form, followed by Mesoprosopic (Broad face) in all above three religions of Sangli district. Least common facial form in Hindus was Leptoprosopic (Long Face), in Muslim and Christians – Hypereuroprosopic (Very Broad Face). In Hindus, in males commonest facial form was Hyperleptoprosopic followed by Mesoprosopic while in females commonest form was Mesoprosopic followed by Euryprosopic. Least common facial form in maleswas Hypereuroprosopic while in females was Leptoprosopic. In Muslim, in males and females commonest facial form was Hyperleptoprosopic. Followed by Mesoprosopic. Least common facial form in males and females was Hypereuroprosopic. In Christians, in males commonest facial form was Hyperleptoprosopic followed by Mesoprosopic while in females commonest form was Euryprosopic followed by Mesoprosopic. Least common facial form in males was Hypereuroprosopic while in females was Leptoprosopic.

Conclusion: In Sangli district, Hyperleptoprosopic form is the dominant type of facial form in males of Hindu, Muslim and Christian religions and Muslim females, Mesoprosopic in Hindu females and Euryprosopic in Christian females. The values obtained can serve as standards for Sangli district population group and can be used as local standards for diagnostic and anthropometric evaluation. The results of this study will also be useful in anthropology, genetics and forensic medicine.