REGRESSION ANALYSIS FOR STATURE ESTIMATION FROM FOOT LENGTH MEASUREMENT IN MULTI-ETHNIC POPULATION OF SARAWAK

Introduction:Reconstruction of stature is important as it offers a forensic anthropological estimation of a person’s stature. This present study aims to investigate the relationship between stature and foot length and to develop population-specific regression equations for estimating the stature of a multi-ethnic population in Sarawak. Methods: This study was participated by 800 paramedic trainees (aged 19 to 23 years) from a multi-ethnic population of Sarawak. Left foot length was measured by an adult foot device and stature was measured in standard position using Stadiometer. Statistical analyses of Pearson’s correlation test, linear regressions, and paired t-test were applied using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 26). Results: A positive and statistically significant (p < 0.001) correlation coefficient (R) values are found to be higher in the pooled sample (0.645–0.816). Population-specific regression equations were developed for Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, and Kayan ethnicities and presented a lower standard error of estimate (SEE) ranging from + 3.441 to + 4.636 cm. Thus, regression equations were derived for stature estimation from foot lengths even when sex remains unknown. Paired t-test showed no significant difference between actual stature and estimated stature. Conclusion:The population-specific regression equations provided by this research would be useful to estimate the stature of the multi-ethnic population of Sarawak for anthropologists or forensic experts in anthropometric techniques.