Pattern of Fingerprints and Its Association with Gender among Medical Students of Peshawar Medical College

Abstract

Dermatoglyphics is the scienti c discipline that studies the patterns and characteristics of ngerprints. When it comes to criminal justice and medical law, ngerprints are crucial. The analysis and comparison of unknown prints found at a crime scene with known prints of witnesses, victims, and possible perpetrators can greatly aid investigators and analysts in their pursuit of justice. Objectives: To identify ngerprint patterns and determine its association with gender among medical students of Peshawar. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on students of Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar from 1 December st st 2021 to 1 June 2022. After a multi-stage proportional sampling process, a total of 300 students were included in the study, with 120 females and 180 males. After obtaining written agreement and adhering to stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, students' ngerprints were placed on white paper using a stamp pad. The paper already bore the students' names, ages, sexes, and professional years. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.0, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied as necessary. Results: The most common ngerprint pattern was the loop pattern, followed by the whorl pattern at 30.33 percent. The average age of the participants in the study was 21.54 ± 2.33 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. All of the ngerprint patterns showed no signi cant association with gender. Conclusions: The study found that Loop ngerprints were more common than other ngerprints. Also, there is no statistically signi cant association between gender and ngerprints.