Association between gestational anaemia and ABO blood groups among pregnant women in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The association of blood groups and the incidence as well as the severity of anemia has awakened the interest of researchers for many years. The World Health Organization reported anemia during pregnancy as a major public health concern, associated with risk of mortality to both the mother and the developing foetus. This study assessed a possible association between blood group and occurrence of gestational anemia. A total of 250 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Hajiya Gambo Sawaba Hospital, Zaria within the age range of 15-45 years were recruited for the study. Blood samples was taken using finger prick method under sterile conditions and blood group was determined with Adam’s slide using antisera A, B and D. Hemoglobin concentration was measured using a digital haemoglobinometer. Biodata, parity, gravidity and nutritional information were gotten from the patients using a semi structured questionnaire. The total prevalence of anemia in the pregnant women was 52.4%. Our findings showed no statistically significant association between various ABO blood groups and the occurrence of anemia.