Pattern of ABO and Rhesus Blood Groups Distribution of Five Years Survey in Jimma Town Blood Bank, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: For the effective management of blood banks and safe blood transfusion services, understanding ABO blood group types and Rhesus (Rh) factor distribution at local and regional levels is very essential. Objective: To determine and compare the five years, 2010-2014, distribution of ABO and rhesus blood groups in Jimma Town blood bank, South West Ethiopia. Materials and methods: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted to determine the distribution of the type ABO blood group and Rh factor among blood donors of Jimma town blood bank. For those individuals available to donate blood during study period, we used an interview based structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and other clinically useful data. But non study period data, we used a check list to retrieve data from record. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentage were used to present data in text and tables. Results: At the ABO blood group system, type O was the commonest type accounting for 43.1% followed by type A and B accounting for 31.9% and 21.5% respectively. The AB blood group type was the least common accounting for 3.5% sample. From Rh blood group, 92.8% subjects were Rh positive whereas 7.2% were Rh negative. Conclusion: The study reports the pattern of blood groups among the people in and around Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia and would help the blood bank to prepare database and increase awareness which type of blood group should be stored more. So, the study has a significant implication regarding the inventory management of blood bank and transfusion services for those who need blood transfusion.