ABO and Rhesus Blood Group Distribution and Blood Donation Willingness Among First-Year Health Students in a Saudi University

Abstract

Background: Understanding the distribution of blood groups and blood donation willingness in a population is crucial in managing blood banks and transfusion services. Moreover, awareness of one's own blood group is essential especially in emergencies that mandate blood donation. This study aimed to determine the distribution of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups among health students, the students' knowledge about their blood group, and their willingness to donate blood. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all newly accepted health students in a large university in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (N=1145) during August 2020. The data included a self-administered questionnaire and the serology results of ABO and Rh factors. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were performed followed by a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis which identified the predictors of willingness of blood donation. Results: Blood group O was the most frequent type among students (51.1%), followed by group A (24.5%) and B (20.4%). The majority (93.3%) of students had Rh-positive factor. When we compared students' answers with their sample results, most students (75.5%) correctly reported their ABO and Rh blood groups. Male students and those with a previous history of blood donation correctly reported their blood group more than others. Of the total sample, 47.3% were willing to donate blood within the next year. Positive predictors of the willingness of student to donate blood included being male, and those with a history of blood donation. Interestingly, students with a family member in the healthcare field were significantly less likely to donate blood. Conclusion: Blood group O and Rh positive were the most frequent blood groups. Most students had a good knowledge about their blood groups, and about half of students were willing to donate blood. Efforts to encourage the young population to participate in blood donation are crucial.

Prevalence and Association of Transfusion Transmitted Infections with ABO and Rh Blood Groups among Blood Donors in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: A 7-Year Retrospective Analysis

“…Our study showed that 91.0% of blood donors were Rhesus positive. The results of other previous studies conducted in Saudi Arabia were consistent with our findings, as Rhesus positivity in blood donors was dominant [18,22].…”

“…The association of various blood groups with some human pathogens causes health-related hazards, particularly TTIs such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), as blood transfusion is one of the modes of transmission of these infectious agents [ 16 , 17 ]. Because of their link to specific disorders, blood group distribution plays a significant role in blood transfusion [ 18 , 19 ]. For example, the O blood group has been linked to an increased frequency of HBV, although there was no significant link between the four types of ABO blood groups in the case of HCV [ 20 ].…”

Willingness to donate blood and associated factors among patient caregivers at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northwest Ethiopia

“…Studies confirmed that previous experience of blood donation increases willingness to donate blood constantly. 5,17 Besides, 59.9% of the study participants in the current study had adequate knowledge of blood donation, while only 37.7% of the study subjects in India had adequate knowledge of blood donation. It has been evidenced that adequate knowledge of blood donation is a key for blood donation practice and future willingness.…”

“…This finding is in accordance with a study conducted in Saudi Arabia. 5 This could be possibly justified by individuals who had the experience of blood donation will get adequate information about the need for donating blood on a regular basis. Another important explanation might be individuals with a previous history of a blood donation may want to donate blood as soon as they understand that the blood they donate saves many lives and does not cause any harm to them.…”

“…4 This, in turn, will help motivate people to donate 1 unit of blood every 3 months. 5 It should be noted, however, that blood donation is practiced regularly, voluntarily, and without any cost. 6 The shortage of blood is a common problem in health institutions globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries.…”