Decoding the Science of Fingerprints: The Influence of Sex and Blood Group on Dermatoglyphic Traits among Medical Students

Abstract

Background: Fingerprint or dermatoglyphics is the study of the patterns of dermal ridges and bridges on the volar surfaces of the fingers, palms, and soles. Fingerprint ridge patterns begin to form between the 12th and 16th weeks of intrauterine life and are fully developed by the 24th week. Fingerprints exhibit a vast range of possible variations, with the probability of two individuals having identical fingerprints estimated at one in sixty-four billion. Even identical twins have distinct fingerprints. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between sociodemographic factors (age, gender, blood group and handedness) in medical students through fingerprint analysis. Conducted at North Bengal Medical College, the study included 390 undergraduate students from the 1st to 5th year, selected using census sampling. Inclusion criteria included students willing to participate and provide accurate sociodemographic information. Exclusion criteria included graduate students, those with skin conditions affecting fingerprint analysis, and those who did not consent. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and fingerprint analysis. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used for analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) before the study. Result: The sociodemographic profile of 390 medical students revealed a mean age of 21.95 years, with 58% females and 42% males. Most students were right-handed (95.9%), and blood group B+ was the most common (36.7%). Fingerprint analysis showed that whorls were the predominant pattern across all fingers, with variations in distribution by sex and blood group. Significant sex differences were found in fingerprint patterns, with males exhibiting more whorls and females showing higher frequencies of arches and radial loops. Blood group associations were observed for both hands, with B+ and O+ blood groups showing stronger links to whorl patterns. Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between fingerprint patterns and blood groups for both hands (p < 0.05), suggesting a genetic correlation between these traits. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights significant associations between sociodemographic factors, including sex and blood group, and fingerprint patterns in medical students. The findings suggest that fingerprint patterns, particularly whorls, are influenced by genetic factors related to blood groups and sex differences. These results contribute to the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of fingerprint formation and may provide valuable insights for future research in the field of biometrics and genetic traits.