Study of Fingerprint Patterns in Population of a Community

INTRODUCTION: Fingerprints, serve as one of the crucial tools for identification of the individual for various purposes. Sex, being one of those tools, researchers have suggested the use of fingerprints for gender identification. The objective of the study was to observe the distribution of various fingerprints patterns in the population of a community, together with the most prevalent pattern. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the population of Duwakot VDC, Bhaktapur from May 2019 to July 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee with reference no. 2812201804. One hundred and ninety-six individuals of 18 to 60 years of age were enrolled. Fingerprints of all ten fingers were taken and studied to see the distribution pattern and analyzed for gender differences. Simple random sampling was done and the sample size was calculated with a prevalence of 50%. The data obtained were computed and analyzed using Excel to find the results. RESULTS: The study showed the highest frequency of loops 1033 (52.71%) followed by whorls 537 (27.38%), arches 537 (27.38%) and composite pattern 300 (15.28%). The radial loops were observed more in the males 397 (5.54%) of total males whereas ulnar loops were observed more in the females 636 (96.38%) of total females. Among whorls, the concentric whorls were seen more in males 245 (52.03%) whereas the spiral whorls were seen more in the females 292 (53.27%). CONCLUSIONS: For standard authenticity of the sexual dimorphism, fingerprint patterns, can also be considered for gender identification purposes.