Skinfold Parameter as Predictor of Body Density for Undergraduate Female Students in a Nigeria University Community

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine if some selected skinfold parameters are visible in predicting body density (BD) of undergraduate female students of Obafemi Awolowo University; lie Ife.Methods: Seventy five non- athletic female students; age ranged from 18 to 30 years old from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) lie Ife; Nigeria participated in the study. Underwater weight was measured using Hydrostatic Weighing (HSW) equipment and skinfold was measured with Lange skinfold calipers using standard protocol at chest; biceps; triceps; forearm; mid axillar; subscapular; abdomen; supra illiac; thigh and lateral calf. Body density (BD) was calculated with underwater weight and skinfold measurement using some established equations. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Moment Correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data collected.Results: The result showed that BD by HSW had significant negative correlation with skinfold at chest (r = - .505; p .001); biceps (r