Journal of Forensic Sciences
Volume 61, Issue 5, 2016, Pages 1164-1172

Skeletal Indicators of Stress: A Component of the Biocultural Profile of Undocumented Migrants in Southern Arizona (Article)

Beatrice J.S.* , Soler A.
  • a Department of Sociology and Anthropology, The College of New Jersey, Social Sciences Building 317, 2000 Pennington Rd, Ewing, NJ 08628, United States
  • b Office of Chief Medical Examiner New York City, 520 First Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

Abstract

The ability of forensic anthropologists in the United States to distinguish the remains of foreign nationals from those of American citizens may be crucial to the identification process. This study adds new criteria for identifying Hispanic foreign nationals in southern Arizona to those previously outlined by Birkby et al. (J Forensic Sci 53, 2008, 29) in the “cultural profile.” Skeletal indicators of nonspecific stress were evaluated in undocumented border crossers (UBCs) at the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner and in documented American samples. Odds ratios show significant associations between UBC status and the presence of porotic hyperostosis and enamel hypoplasias, which are, respectively, 7.9 and 3 times more prevalent among UBCs. These findings are consistent with disparities in access to adequate nutrition and health care during childhood. In conjunction with context and other biocultural factors, the presence of these conditions should prompt practitioners to consider that unidentified remains may represent foreign nationals. © 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences

Author Keywords

identification Forensic anthropology Physiological stress Forensic science skeletal health biocultural profile Undocumented migrants

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85028256017&doi=10.1111%2f1556-4029.13131&partnerID=40&md5=1e83bad91dc2e59f507433af512a27c1

DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13131
ISSN: 00221198
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English