Smart DNA, a prominent DNA testing facility located in Lagos, Nigeria, has unveiled an extensive data analysis encompassing all relationship DNA tests conducted within its premises from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) elucidates that DNA, an acronym for Deoxyribonucleic acid, serves as the fundamental genetic material responsible for an organism’s development and functionality.
Genetic testing, also known as a DNA test, is a medical examination employed to identify genetic mutations within an individual’s genes, chromosomes, or proteins. These tests provide valuable insights into an individual’s ancestral heritage.
A DNA relationship test employs genetic profiles to ascertain whether one individual is the biological parent of another. The comprehensive Smart DNA report, derived from an extensive user base, furnishes unparalleled insights into DNA testing trends throughout Nigeria.
Released on Tuesday, the report divulges astonishing discoveries regarding the motivations driving people to undergo testing, the demographic characteristics of those subjected to these tests, and the outcomes they yield.
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The report showcases predominantly affirmative outcomes, with 73.88% of tests confirming the biological paternity of men in cases where their paternity was questioned. Negative results accounted for 26.12% of those undergoing testing.
Regarding geographical distribution, the report reveals that Lagos accounted for the largest share of tests at 82.89% of the total, followed by Oyo (3.29%), Ogun (3.07%), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at 2.63%, and Rivers at 2.41%.
“This heavy concentration in Lagos, particularly the Mainland (68.14 percent) compared to the Island (31.86 percent), is likely due to the location of Smart DNA’s office in Lagos.
“Also likely due to the purchasing power of the state’s residents, and the high population density of the state,’’ it said.
The report showed that the majority of tests (89.10 percent) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, followed by immigration (8.97 percent) and legal (0.64 percent).
“This suggests that individuals primarily seek DNA testing to confirm biological relationships for personal reasons rather than legal or immigration purposes.’’
The data revealed that men took the lead in initiating contact, accounting for 86.44% of the initial interactions, while women initiated 13.56% of them.
“This indicates that men are more likely to have doubts about paternity or other relationships and take the initiative to seek testing,’’ it said.
“Positive results indicating that the man tested is the biological father of the child, accounted for 73.88 per cent of tests, while negative results made up 26.12 per cent.
“This suggests that in the majority of cases, the men seeking testing are indeed the biological fathers, but in more than 1 in 4 cases, the tested father is not the biological father of the child’’.
On Ethnic Group, the Yoruba ethnic group had the highest percentage of tests (61.23 per cent), followed by Igbo (19.07 per cent).
“Others (12.08 percent), and Edo (6.78 percent). This may be reflective of the ethnic distribution in Lagos and the surrounding areas’’.
More tests were carried out on male children (56.62%) as opposed to female children (43.38%) to determine their gender.
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This observation hints at the possibility of a cultural inclination toward confirming the paternity of male offspring, though additional research would be essential to substantiate this hypothesis.
When examining the age distribution of those subjected to tests, the majority fell within the 0–5 age bracket (58.02%), with the 6–12 age group coming in second (25.95%).
“This indicates that paternity tests are mostly done on children when they are younger rather than when they get older’.
The Smart DNA findings said that the men who opted for these DNA tests were mostly between the ages of 31–40 years (40 percent) and 41–50 years (23 percent).
“ This age group is likely to have young children and may be in a financial position to afford the testing’’.
Smart DNA officials have affirmed their dedication to delivering accredited DNA testing services that adhere to the most rigorous global standards.
They further noted that the report’s objective is to illuminate prevailing trends in relationship DNA testing within Nigeria, thereby enhancing our comprehension of this significant facet of our society. (NAN)
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