TITLE:
Cephalometric Standards in Two Sub-Saharan Populations Residents in Morocco: Hausa and Somali
AUTHORS:
Sanaa Alami, Asmaa El Mabrak, Zineb Safi-Eddine, Mahamadou Abdoulaye, Zineb Serhier, Farid Bourzgui
KEYWORDS:
Orthodontics, Craniofacial Morphology, Cephalometry, Hausa, Somali, Sub-Saharan Populations, Morocco, Reference Norms
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.3,
March
26,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate cephalometric norms for two Sub-Saharan populations residing in Morocco the Hausa and Somali, and to compare these norms with those of Steiner and Tweed. Method: A total of 40 lateral cephalometric radiographs from Hausa and Somali students in Casablanca area, aged 18 to 32 years, with Class I dental occlusion and facial harmony, were analyzed. Twenty cephalometric variables, comprising 14 angular and 6 linear measurements, were calculated and compared with reference norms, as well as those of other Arab, Asian, and European populations, using the Z-test for statistical evaluation. Results: The Hausa population exhibited an advanced sagittal position of both the maxillary and mandibular skeletal bases, an increased vertical dimension, and a more pronounced vestibular version of the incisors compared to the reference norms. In contrast, the Somali population demonstrated a more retruded sagittal position of the maxillary and mandibular bases, an increased vertical dimension, and a greater buccal version of the incisors. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the distinct cephalometric features of the Hausa and Somali populations, which should be considered in orthodontic treatment planning to ensure more accurate and population-specific care.