Distribution of ABO/Rh blood groups and haemoglobin phenotypes among university students in south-west, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Assessing university students' blood group and hemoglobin phenotypes is vital for health policies, and premarital counseling. This study aimed at determining the distribution of Blood group and hemoglobin phenotype among university students in Southwest Nigeria

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Lead City University in South-West Nigeria from January 2018 to December 2022. Medical records of 5110 enrolled students were analyzed to assess the Blood group distribution and hemoglobin phenotype within the university population. Data encompassing demographic information and health metrics were examined for this study.

Results:  In a study of 5110 participants, the mean age (was 23.57+14.89). Notably, 43.9% fall within the age bracket of 18 to 29 years, while 37.7% are below 18. A slight majority (54.1%) were female. The mean packed cell volume (PCV) was 12.9 (±1.399). Hemoglobin levels reveal most of the population (87.6%) with levels surpassing 12 g/dl. However, notable proportions exhibit anemia (12.4%). Blood group O was the most prevalent (53.6%), followed by types B (21.7%), A (20.7%), and AB (3.9%). Genotype distribution indicates a predominance of the AA genotype (73.6%), followed by AS (21.9%), AC (3.3%), and SS (0.7%), with SC (0.4%) and CC (0.1%) being relatively rare. Rhesus factor analysis shows 4.8% Rhesus negative and 95.2% positive individuals.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of sickle cell traits underscores the need for genetic counseling to address Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).