BODY HEIGHT ESTIMATION USING FEMORAL LENGTH AMONG THE 2022–2024 COHORT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS AT JAMBI UNIVERSITY

Background: Estimation of body height using femoral length is widely applied in forensic and clinical anthropometry, particularly when direct height measurement is not possible. Although femoral length is a reliable predictor of stature, the accuracy of estimation models depends on population-specific anthropometric characteristics, highlighting the need for local formulas. Objective: This study analyzed the correlation between femur length and body height and developed height estimation models among Jambi University students (2022–2024). Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jambi University, from September to November 2025. Samples were selected using purposive sampling (minimum n = 95, Slovin’s formula). Femur length and body height were measured percutaneously using a standardized measuring tape and microtoise. BMI, physical activity level (IPAQ-SF), and anthropometric race were recorded. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, One-Way ANOVA, and simple linear regression. Results: Femur length was moderately correlated with body height in males (r = 0.599), females (r = 0.598), and the overall sample (r = 0.550; p < 0.001). No significant differences in mean femur length were observed across BMI, physical activity, or anthropometric race groups, and height estimation models were developed. Conclusion: Femur length is significantly correlated with body height and can be used for height estimation using gender-specific regression formulas. BMI, physical activity level, and anthropometric race showed no significant differences in mean femur length; further studies with balanced sub-ethnic samples are recommended.