A comparison of measurement methods and sexual dimorphism for digit ratio (2D:4D) in Han ethnicity

The digit ratio (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic and has been considered an indicator of prenatal sex hormone exposure. Previous studies have shown that males tend to have lower 2D to 4D ratio than females, and this sexual dimorphism has been reported across different ethnic groups and different countries. However, digit ratio data are missing from the Han ethnicity in China. Furthermore, most of the previous studies used direct measurement for digit ratio. In this article, we used multiple measurement methods, including the direct measurement and two X-ray measurement methods to examine the trait of 2D:4D in Chinese Han. Our sample consisted of 128 men and 122 women from Liaoning Medical University. They were 18-20 years old. The direct measurement and two types of X-ray measurements of the length of their 2nd and 4th fingers were used separately to calculate digit ratios. Soft tissue thickness of 2D and 4D fingertips were also assessed from the two X-ray methods. The results suggest that (1) sex differences in 2D:4D tend to be stronger in the two X-ray measurements in comparison to the direct measurement; (2) 2D:4D ratios from X-ray measurements tend to be lower than that from the direct measurement; (3) Han ethnicity have a lower mean value of 2D:4D than other ethnic groups; (4) no sex difference in the soft tissue of finger tips. In conclusion, the digit ratio is lower in both men and women in Han, and the sexual dimorphism in digit ratio was stronger with X-ray measurements in comparison to the direct measurement.