An anthropometric study for correlation between digit ratio and demographic and psychological parameters

Abstract               Background: The 2D:4D ratio was considered as an indicator of prenatal sex hormones mainly estrogen and testosterone. Association was reported between the psychological and demographical parameters with the ratio of digits.

Aims and objectives: The study aimed to observe the correlation between ratio of digits and demographic and psychological parameters. Materials and methods: A total of fifty healthy female participants within the age group of 20-28 years were part of the study. The length of the right hand second and forth digit finger was measured as specified in the literature and the ratio of two was mentioned as 2D:4D ratio. Height and weight were measured by standard methods. Psychological parameters were measured using standard questionnaire. Results: There was negative association between the ratio of digits and depression and stress whereas positive association between the ratio of digits and anxiety. There was negative association between the ratio of digits and height and weight. Conclusion: The digit ratio has negative correlation with depression, stress, height and weight parameters and has positive correlation with the anxiety. We recommend further detailed studies in this area to understand the association of these parameters.

Key Word: Digit ratio, stress, anxiety, depression, correlation.