Frequency distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among students of Saja Secondary and Preparatory School, Yem Special Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

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.