Pattern of earlobe attachment among the Ika ethnic group in Delta State, Nigeria

Objective: The aim of this study is investigating the distribution of earlobe attachment among the Ika ethnic group, in Delta State, Nigeria.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ika speaking communities in Delta State, Nigeria. The sample consists of 384 subjects (192 males and 192 females) and the participants were categorized in accordance of sexual category with age ranges from 18 to 60 years. Data was collected by visual observation and the data obtained was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21.0. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results: The males portrayed the highest frequency distribution of attached earlobe while the females showed more of free earlobe. There is no significant gender difference in the pattern of earlobe attachment (p =.46). Free earlobe manifested among the 39-48years age range with the highest frequency distribution and the least by age interval within 59years and above. The attached earlobe displayed age differences in distribution with the highest frequency from 49-58 age range and the least by age range 59years and above. There is a remarkable age variation in earlobe attachment (p =.001).

Conclusion: The attached earlobe is more predominant than the free or unattached earlobe among the Ikas in Delta State, Nigeria. The association between age and pattern of earlobe attachment is significant and there is no significant gender variation in the pattern of earlobe attachment.