Distribution of ABO-Rh(D) blood group among nursing students: A tool for female health education

Abstract

Background: The International Society of Blood Transfusion has documented 30 distinct blood group systems; the ABO and Rh systems are regarded as the most important blood group systems. Determining the ABO-Rh (D) blood group is vital in clinical settings to prevent the possibility of incompatibility and Rhesus D alloimmunization.

Objective: This study aimed to provide information on the distribution of blood groups and Rh factor among Bowen University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing students with the view of educating students about the risks of rhesus incompatibility.

Material and Methods: retrospective cross-sectional study which reviewed the preschool entry medical records of Nursing students of Bowen University Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso from 2019-2022. The data were systematically collated, analyzed and used to generate frequency tables.

Results: a total of 216 records were reviewed. The majority were females (84.3%), less than or equal to 18 years (48.6%) and with blood group O (44.4%) and rhesus positivity (94.0%). None from the male gender had an AB blood group. Prevalence of Rh(D) positive was higher among females (85.3%) while Rh(D) negative was higher among males (14.7%). There was a significant association between gender and Rhesus factor.

Conclusion: the findings from this study shows that blood group O and Rh(D) positive had the highest prevalence while the blood group AB and Rh(D) negative had the lowest prevalence. Therefore, effort should be made to educate the few who could suffer adverse events from Rhesus incompatibility.