A Comparative Anthropometric Study of Mongoloid and Tharu Ethnic Races in Eastern Nepal

Anthropometry is the hallmark technique that deals with the study of body proportion and absolute dimensions that vary widely with age and sex within and between racial groups. Over the centuries, there have been remarkable changes in Anthropometric measurements due to geographical, cultural, genetic and environmental factors as well as worldwide mingling of races. The aim of this study was to find effect of ethnicity on cranio nasal anthropometric measurement and to establish mean indices of cranio nasal parameters. There was a racial as well as sexual dimorphism in nasal ergonomics and Cephalic Index. Standing height helps in determining the levels of nutritional support and monitoring the effect of nutritional intervention. The results of this study revealed a clear ethnic as well as sex variations in physical parameters. The sex and ethnicity had considerable effect in cranial, facial and height related anthropometric measurements. The two communities studied though belongs to different race (mongoloid) and Tharu showed significant variation possibly due to environment, genetic, geography and nutrition. Stature is essential in determination of nutritional level support and intervention. To treat congenital, posttraumatic facial disfigurements in members of these groups, surgeons require access to craniofacial databases based on accurate anthropometric measurements.