Prevalence of Facial Dimples among the Ndokwa People in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Facial dimples are profoundly valued because the face is exceptionally visible, and it is a significant outlet for communicating thoughts and feelings. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and pattern of facial dimples among the Ndokwa people of Delta State in Nigeria. This study adopted an observational cross-sectional study design and was conducted at Obiaruku in Delta State and involved male and female Ndokwas of Delta State. 384 subjects were used and the cluster sampling technique was adopted. Ethical clearance/approval was gotten from the Ethical Committee of the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka in Nigeria and data was collected with the aid of a questionnaire. The questionnaire included the following: age, gender, presence of facial dimples, the pattern of facial dimples, presence of facial dimples among parents of the respondents, pattern of facial dimples among parents of the respondents, and perception towards facial dimples. Data obtained were subjected to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Chi-square was used to compare the prevalence of facial dimples between the sexes and a p-value lesser than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Most of the subjects in this study were females (n=196, 51%) while minorities were males (n=188, 49%) and aged 18-23years, followed by 24-29 years, 30-35 years, and 36- 40years. The prevalence of facial dimple was 31.8% (n=122). Most of the facial dimples were located in the cheek, followed by the chin. This present study demonstrated a higher prevalence of facial dimples among females than males. Facial dimples can be inherited and the dominant gene is thus responsible for this inheritance pattern.