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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM TESTOSTERONE, DIGIT RATIO AND BODY COMPOSITION AMONG ADOLESCENTS OF IGBO ETHNIC GROUP IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The interplay between hormones and physical characteristics has been a subject of extensive research, particularly concerning testosterone, digit ratio, and body composition. Testosterone, the principal male sex hormone, plays a crucial role in the development of male physical characteristics and influences various aspects of health, including muscle mass, fat distribution, and overall body composition (Kraemer et al., 2020). Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by significant hormonal changes, making it an opportune time to examine the relationship between serum testosterone levels and physical traits among adolescents (Santos et al., 2020).

Research has shown that testosterone levels peak during adolescence, affecting physical growth and development (Bremner et al., 2019). Increased testosterone levels are associated with greater muscle mass and lower fat mass, contributing to a more favorable body composition. Studies suggest that high testosterone levels correlate with reduced fat mass and increased lean body mass, highlighting the hormone's role in physical health (Mazer et al., 2019).

Another interesting aspect of physical development is the digit ratio, particularly the ratio between the lengths of the second digit (index finger) and the fourth digit (ring finger), often referred to as the 2D:4D ratio. This ratio is thought to reflect prenatal exposure to testosterone, with lower ratios indicating higher exposure (Manning et al., 2018). Research has linked the digit ratio to various physiological and psychological traits, suggesting it could serve as an indicator of testosterone levels and associated body composition changes (Lippa, 2019).

In Nigeria, the Igbo ethnic group represents a significant population with distinct cultural practices that may influence health and developmental outcomes (Ugochukwu et al., 2018). Understanding how serum testosterone levels relate to digit ratios and body composition in this group can provide insights into the specific health dynamics of the population.

Previous studies conducted in different populations have shown that higher testosterone levels correlate with lower body fat percentages and higher muscle mass, but there is limited research focused on the Igbo ethnic group (Okpala et al., 2020). This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how serum testosterone levels relate to digit ratios and body composition among adolescents within this demographic.

Understanding these relationships may offer valuable insights into the biological and health implications of testosterone in adolescents and contribute to broader discussions on public health, nutrition, and adolescent development in Nigeria. The findings could have significant implications for health policies aimed at improving adolescent health outcomes in Nigeria and similar populations.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The relationship between serum testosterone, digit ratio, and body composition in adolescents remains inadequately explored, particularly among the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria. Existing literature indicates that testosterone plays a pivotal role in shaping body composition; however, the unique cultural, social, and biological factors influencing these relationships in the

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