The relationship between 2D:4D ratio and postpartum adult female variables in a Ghanaian population. Issue 4 (15th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Banyeh, Moses; Amidu, Nafiu; Quaye, Lawrence
• Is Part Of: American journal of human biology. Volume 34:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-15
• Subjects: Human biology -- Periodicals; Physical anthropology -- Periodicals; Biologie humaine -- Périodiques; Anthropologie physique -- Périodiques; 612
• DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23680
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1042-0533

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Postpartum hematological and anthropometric assessment is a requirement for optimal maternal and child health. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and postpartum hematological and anthropometric variables in adult females. Methods: The study was cross‐sectional from December 2020 to April 2021 involving 272 postpartum adult females, aged between 18 and 36 years. The right (2D:4DR) and the left (2D:4DL) digit ratios were measured using computer‐assisted analysis. Fasting venous samples were collected at a median (interquartile range) of 111 (44–210) days postpartum and analyzed for total testosterone (TT), estradiol, sex hormone‐binding globulin, and complete blood count. Results: The mean ± standard deviation 2D:4DR and 2D:4DL were 0.94 ± 0.04 and 0.93 ± 0.04, respectively. As expected, the TT ( r = −0.198, p = .015) and the free androgen index (FAI: r = −0.186, p = .019) were inversely correlated with the 2D:4DL while free testosterone (FT%: r = −0.157, p = .038) was inversely correlated with the 2D:4DR. The absolute basophile count (BASO: r = −0.124, p = .040) and the Platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR: r = −0.153, p = .016) were inversely correlated with the 2D:4DL and the 2D:4DR respectively. In addition, the mean cell volume was inversely correlated with the 2D:4DR ( r = −0.139, p = .024) and the 2D:4DL ( r = −0.122, p = .045). Moreover, the 2D:4DR was inversely correlated with height ( r = −0.164, p = .007). Unexpectedly, the red blood cell count (RBC: r = 0.138, p = .025) was positively correlated with the 2D:4DR. Conclusion: There are significant relationships between the 2D:4D ratio and postpartum female variables. These findings are useful preliminary reference data for postpartum research and subsequent 2D:4D ratio studies.