Research code: 1402-11-2-28431
Ethics code: IR.IUMS.REC.1403.031
Shahram Vosoughi 
, Behzad Souri * , Ali Asghar Farshad , Jamileh Abolghasemi , Ensieh Sadat Alamshah
, Behzad Souri * , Ali Asghar Farshad , Jamileh Abolghasemi , Ensieh Sadat Alamshah
Iran University of Medical Sciences , behzadsouri98@gmail.com
Abstract: (33 Views)
Background and aims: Anthropometry facilitates the physical matching of product and equipment dimensions to the user. Each race, group, and ethnicity possess unique anthropometric characteristics. For designing and manufacturing of personal protective equipment, particularly for the head and face, accurate anthropometric data for the target population are essential. This study aims to investigate the anthropometric dimensions of the head and face among Iranian ethnicities to support the ergonomic design and production of respiratory protective equipment.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 (Persian calendar). Anthropometric measurements of 11 head and face dimensions were collected from 323 participants (212 men and 111 women) aged 18 to 50 years, representing seven Iranian ethnicities: Kurdish, Lur, Fars, Azeri, Turkmen, Arab, and Baluch. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 software.
Results: The mean anthropometric measurements of all head and face landmarks were higher in men than in women. Significant differences were observed among Iranian ethnicities for all landmarks, except for head breadth and bitragion coronal arc (p > 0.05). Also, the most significant difference between ethnicities was related to the face width landmark.
Conclusion: Anthropometric characteristics vary across populations due to differences in racial, genetic, nutritional, and climatic factors. Comprehensive databases of head and face anthropometric measurements are essential for designing protective equipment, such as full-face and elastomeric masks, to prevent pressure points and discomfort while ensuring stability during movement.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 (Persian calendar). Anthropometric measurements of 11 head and face dimensions were collected from 323 participants (212 men and 111 women) aged 18 to 50 years, representing seven Iranian ethnicities: Kurdish, Lur, Fars, Azeri, Turkmen, Arab, and Baluch. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 software.
Results: The mean anthropometric measurements of all head and face landmarks were higher in men than in women. Significant differences were observed among Iranian ethnicities for all landmarks, except for head breadth and bitragion coronal arc (p > 0.05). Also, the most significant difference between ethnicities was related to the face width landmark.
Conclusion: Anthropometric characteristics vary across populations due to differences in racial, genetic, nutritional, and climatic factors. Comprehensive databases of head and face anthropometric measurements are essential for designing protective equipment, such as full-face and elastomeric masks, to prevent pressure points and discomfort while ensuring stability during movement.
Keywords: Anthropometry, Iranian ethnicities, head and face, full-face masks, design and manufacture, personal protective equipment
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Ergonomics,Production and productivity
Received: 2025/07/26 | Accepted: 2026/04/16
Received: 2025/07/26 | Accepted: 2026/04/16
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
