ABSTRACT

A growing body of literature, has associated exposure to prenatal testosterone, to the

length second to fourth digit ratios (2D:4D) and this have been linked to several

biological traits e.g. fertility, birth weight, cognitive abilities and psychopathology etc.

This study was aimed at evaluating the 2D:4D and 2D:4D and aggressionamongst

artisans, non-artisansin Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. A cross sectional study was

conducted and a total of 700 subjects participated in this study, 548 subjects from

different artisan groups and 152 subjects from non-artisan groups respectively. The

artisanswere mainly labour workers between the age ranges of 18-65 years while the

non-artisans are mainly students between age ranges of 18-56years.Anthropometric

measurements were obtained using stadiometer and weighing scale, standard measuring

tape, digital vernier caliper, anthropometric variables such as height, weight, finger

length, humeral length, foot length and hand length were measured.The study revealed

statistical difference in the variables between artisans and non-artisans except in right

finger I and III, right 2D:4D ratio, left finger I, III and III, left 2D:4D ratio,hand length

and hand breadth.When artisans were categories according to their trade (auto-

mechanics, bricklayers, tailors and carpenters) artisans showed various degree of

significant difference within the groups and with the non-artisans. The regression

equations derived for bothartisans and non-artisan groups separately using height,

weight and body mass index (BMI)by means of which these variablescan be accurately

estimated using 2D:4D ratio when such body parts are recovered. Relationships between

2D:4D and different scale of aggressions have been established. The linear regression

equations for the association of right and left 2D:4D and anger aggression in overall

artisan and non-artisan groups is given as Anger = 28.026 - (10.172 * R2D:4D) (R =

0.176,R2= 0.0311, SEE 2.148, P=0.001) and Anger = 28.923 - (11.060 * L2D:4D),R =

xv

0.173, R2= 0.0300, SEE 2.384, P=0.001respectively. The present study showed

sig