The prevalence and pattern of human color traits in nigerian adults

Abstract

Objective: We determined the prevalence and pattern of human color traits in young adults in Eastern Nigeria and assessed whether there were gender differences and inter-relationships in the prevalence of these color traits. Methods: Three hundred young adults aged 18-40 yrs, participated in the study. The iris color was categorized into four; light brown, dark brown, dark, and blue-grey colors. The skin color was categorized into three colors; fair, brown and black. Three hair colors-black, brown and blond were identified amongst the study population. Results: The present data indicated that dark brown iris color (69%), brown skin color (50.3%) and black hair color (56.7%) were the most prevalent color traits in the study population. Data indicated gender differences (P<0.01 or P<0.001) in the distribution of the three color traits. In both genders, data indicated significant interactions (P<0.05; P<0.01; P<0.001) amongst the three color traits, suggesting that these color traits are highly inter-correlated. Conclusion: The most prevalent human color traits among young adults in the Eastern Nigeria were dark brown iris, brown skin and black hair colors. There were gender differences and inter-correlations amongst the three human color traits.