The Distribution of Tongue Rolling and Tongue Folding Traits among Niger Deltans

The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of tongue rolling and tongue folding traits among Niger Deltans. The study adopted a cross sectional type of observational research design. Multistage sampling was employed in this study which involved two thousand three hundred and four subjects aged 18 to 65 years. Standard methods were applied in recording the ability for tongue folding and tongue rolling. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 18. Results were arranged according to gender to ascertain the occurrence of sexual dimorphism. Chi-square test was useful in this regard. The tongue rolling and tongue folding traits were compared between the genders. Values at P<0.05 were considered significant. The frequency of rollers (1495) was more than non-rollers (809). There was a slightly higher proportion of tongue-rollers in females than in males (P > 0.05). The result showed that the frequency of folders (1422) was more than non-folders (882). The incidence of tongue folding was more in the female gender (P > 0.05). A reliable baseline data on the distribution of tongue rolling and tongue folding traits among Niger Deltans has been produced.

Key Words: Tongue rolling, Tongue folding, distribution, Niger Deltans