Phenotypic Distribution of ABO and Rh (D) Blood Groups and Their Association with Gender at a Rural-Serving Tertiary Care Hospital in Gazipur, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: The ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood group systems are the most clinically significant blood group systems in Transfusion Medicine. Knowledge of their distribution is essential for blood bank management, transfusion safety and population genetics.
Objective: To determine the distribution pattern of ABO and Rh (D) blood group systems and evaluate gender associations among individuals attending a tertiary healthcare facility in Bangladesh.
Materials and Methods: The sample size of this study was 3,561 individuals. ABO and Rh typing were performed using standard agglutination techniques. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Blood group B (34.1%) was most prevalent, followed by O (31.7%), A (25.1%) and AB (9.1%). Rh positivity was observed in 96.1%, while 3.9% were Rh negative. No statistically significant association was found between ABO blood group and sex (p=0.691) nor between Rh factor and sex (p=0.198).
Conclusion: Blood group B and Rh-positive phenotype predominated in this population. The findings are consistent with previous Bangladeshi studies and provide important implications for transfusion services and blood inventory management.

KYAMC Journal Vol. 16, No. 04, January 2026: 208-212.