Correlation between dermatoglyphic pattern of right thumb; learning methodologies; and academic performance of medical students

Background: Dermatoglyphics is developing its importance in everyday life and researchers are keen to unveil various unknown aspects of dermatoglyphics in biology, anthropology, genetics, and medicine. The present study was conducted to assess the relationship of thumbprint, learning methodologies, and academic performance of medical students. Methodology: A total of 143 medical students voluntarily participated in this study. Ethical committee clearance was obtained before the study. Validated questionnaires were distributed to the students, and their right-handed thumbprints were collected simultaneously. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: The most common dermatoglyphic pattern observed among the students was whorls. Malays, Malaysian Indians, and Chinese mostly had whorl pattern, while among the Sri Lankans the most common pattern was radial loop. A high percentage of students with ulnar loop scored distinction while students with other patterns mostly scored pass marks. Active learning strategies such as bringing reference books to class, revising previous chapters before class, taking notes in class, surfing internet for learning was seen mostly among the students with ulnar loop. Conclusion: Most of the students with whorl pattern were either in low or average scoring groups. Individuals with ulnar loop were significant for this study as they had higher scores and better learning methodologies compared to other students.