Philtral Column and Nostril Shape Morphology and Their Association among Isoko Adults in Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: The goal of this study is to characterise philtral column and nostril shape morphology among Isoko adults in Delta State, Nigeria; and to determine their association and gender-related variation. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 200 healthy male and female Isoko participants aged 18–80 years, selected using cluster sampling. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Philtral length and width were measured directly with a digital vernier caliper, while philtral column type and nostril shape were classified from standardised facial photographs. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The parallel philtral type (38.0%) and the teardrop nostril shape (68.0%) were the most common. A significant association was found between philtral type and nostril shape (p < 0.001), with parallel philtra co-occurring mainly with teardrop nostrils (93.4%) and flat philtra with round nostrils (73.0%). Philtral type was significantly associated with sex (p = 0.032). Males had significantly greater philtral length (15.62 ± 1.95 mm) and width (13.99 ± 1.25 mm) than females (13.61 ± 1.93 mm and 13.21 ± 1.08 mm) with p < 0.001. Conclusion: The study reveals clear morphological patterns in the philtrum and nostrils of the Isoko population, a strong association between the two features, and notable gender differences in philtral type and dimensions.