BLOOD GROUP DISTRIBUTION AMONG DONORS AND PATIENTS IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL IN GHANA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71396/7md0rq49Keywords:
blood group, blood group distribution, Red blood cell, transfusion, blood typeAbstract
Introduction: Blood is the most common body fluid, yet it is a scarce and valuable necessity. It nourishes cells and maintains homeostatic balance in the body. Cellular elements—red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets—constitute 45% of whole blood, while plasma, composed of 92% water, accounts for the remaining 55%. Blood makes up approximately 7% of a person's weight. The average male has 14–18 grams, and the average female 12–16 grams of hemoglobin per 100 mL of blood. In 1900, Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood grouping system, explaining why some transfusions succeeded while others failed.
Objective: This study assessed the distribution of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups among 2,996 donors and patients in a private primary hospital in Ghana, with particular focus on variations across ethnic groups.
Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective, qualitative study was conducted at a private primary hospital in the Tema municipality, Ghana. Blood group data were retrieved from patient records and analyzed using Microsoft Excel with descriptive statistics and chi-test scores.
Results: Among Akans, the most prevalent blood group was O⁺ (46%), followed by O⁻ (4.4%). Ga-Adangbes recorded A⁺ (22.5%) and O⁻ (2.5%), while Northerners had B⁺ (22.1%) and O⁻ (5%). Voltarians showed O⁻ (3.6%) and the highest distribution of AB⁻ (1.2%), the rarest blood type. Akans—comprising Asantes, Akwapims, Kwahus, and Fantes—formed the largest ethnic group²⁸, followed by Ga-Adangbes. Minority tribes showed 1.2% for both A⁻ and AB⁻.
Conclusion: The findings reaffirm that blood group O⁺ is the most prevalent, while AB⁻ is the rarest, aligning with national and regional trends across West Africa. Significantly, statistical analysis revealed that ethnic background and age group are strongly associated with variations in blood group distribution, while sex was not a determining factor. The predominance of O⁺ among younger and middle-aged groups, and A⁺ among individuals over 60, highlights potential implications for clinical transfusion planning, especially in elderly care.
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