Abstract:
Different types of blood groups are hereditary and determined based on the presence or absence
of surface antigens on the RBCs. The ABO and Rh blood groups are the most important blood
groups in humans due to their vital role in blood transfusion and used in the blood typing. The
frequency distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups vary in different races and ethnic groups in
different parts of the world. Information on the frequency distribution of ABO and Rh blood
groups is vital to the effective management of blood banks and safe blood transfusion service.
The aim of this research is to determine the frequency distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups
among students of Saja secondary and preparatory school. The sample included a total of 232
blood donor students during the period of study (2012 E.C). Selection of students were obtained
on the basis of their willingness to participate by filling all their profile and signed on the
consent agreement format. Blood samples were collected from each student by finger-prick
method and blood groups were examined by slide-test method using antisera. Blood groups were
determined on the basis of agglutination. Differences in allelic, phenotypic and genotypic
frequencies of the ABO and Rh blood groups among each ethnic group (Yem and Oromo) of the
students were observed. The most frequent ABO blood group in the present study was found to
be ‘O’ (34.9 %) followed by ‘A’ (30.2%), ‘B’ (26.3%) and ‘AB’ (8.6%). The frequency of Rh
positive group (94.4%) was more than Rh negative group (5.6%). The allelic frequencies of
each ethnic group were calculated under Hardy-Weinberg equation. There was no positive
relation pattern between ABO and Rh blood groups with sexes and ethnic groups. It is important
to conduct similar well designed studies in different parts of Ethiopian in order to determine
frequency distribution of national ABO and Rh blood groups for policy making and
implementation to face the future National health challenges.
