COMPARISON OF CEPHALIC INDEX OF THREE STATES OF INDIA

Abstract

Cephalic index is the ratio of the maximum breadth of head to its maximum length. cephalic index is very useful anthropologically to find out racial differences. It has also been reported that cephalic index is less than 2-3 in individual with sickle cell anemia than normal individual. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out at three places Mumbai (Maharashtra), Chinnaoutpalli (Andhra Pradesh) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). This study was carried on 440 (220 male & 220 female), 420 (210 male & 210 female), 500 (302 male & 198 female) medical students of Mumbai, Chinnaoutpalli and Ahmedabad respectively. Results: The mean cephalic index for Maharashtra population was 78.14. The mean cephalic index for Andhra Pradesh population was 77.32. The mean cephalic index for Gujarat population was 80.81. Discussion & conclusion: The result of present study shows that cephalic index of Maharashtra population is almost 1 point higher than Andhra Pradesh population. In Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh population cephalic index of the female is almost 2 points higher than the male. This study will serve as a basis of comparison for future studies on Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat population.