Type I Lip Patterns among Medical Students of a Medical College.

INTRODUCTION

Identity and identification have long been a source of interest and concern in forensic dentistry, whether in the context of a criminal investigation or the identification of a deceased person. Lip print has demonstrated a high level of potential as one of the best options, as well as its usage as supporting evidence. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of Type I lip patterns among medical students of a medical college.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was done among medical students of a medical college from 30 December 2021 to 30 February 2022 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. The lipstick was applied in a thin layer uniformly, and the impression was taken with the help of the cellophane tape. The specimens were analyzed and classified based on Tsuzuki and Tsuchihashi's classification. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval.

RESULTS

Among 120 medical students, the prevalence of type I lip pattern was 48 (40%) (31.23-48.77, 95% Confidence Interval). Among them, 26 (54.17%) were males and 22 (45.83%) were females.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of Type I lip pattern among medical students was higher than in other studies done in similar settings.

KEYWORDS: biometric identification; forensic science; lips; medical students; photography.