Blood Group, Genotype, Malaria, Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Screening Among Selected Adults of a Community in Kwara State: Implications to Public Health

Background and Objective: Blood groups and Haemoglobin variants vary widely. The malaria scourge is a major setback in Africa. Due to ageing, adults are prone to non-communicable diseases like hypertension. This research was carried out to determine the ABO, Rhesus blood groups and Haemoglobin variants among young people, and to carry out malaria, blood pressure and blood glucose screening among the elderly in Osi Community, Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State.

Materials and Methods: An empirical research design was done in Osi Community from June 2021 to August 2021. A total of 84 elderly subjects (46 females and 38 males), and 90 young subjects (51 females and 39 males) were selected by purposive sampling. ABO and Rhesus groups were determined using tiles. Haemoglobin variants were determined using alkaline electrophoresis. Malaria screening was done using rapid diagnostic kits. Blood pressure was measured using arm blood pressure monitor. Blood glucose was measured using glucometer.

Results: Elderly males mean age was 66.58±10.97 years compared to 62.07±11.74 years for females (p=0.075). Elderly males blood glucose was 112.71±21.85 mg/dl and 105.09±38.46 mg/dl for females (p=0.281). Systolic blood pressure among elderly males was 147.89±24.45 mmHg and 150.07±22.88 mmHg for females (p=0.676). Diastolic blood pressure among elderly males was 86.61±15.07 mmHg and 86.41±11.12 mmHg for females (p= 0.947). ABO and Rhesus blood group number and percentages among young people were: blood group A 28 (31.1%), B 18 (20.0%), AB 4 (4.4%), O 40 (44.4%), while Rhesus D positive subjects were 87 (96.7%), and Rhesus D negative subjects were 3 (3.3%). Haemoglobin genotype distribution was: AA 66 (73.3%), AS 24 (26.7%), SS 0 (0.0%).

Conclusion: The risk of getting heart-related illnesses increases with age. Knowledge of ABO, Rhesus blood groups and haemoglobin genotype variants is vital in healthcare management, medical diagnosis and genetic counselling.