ABSTRACT

Background: Blood group systems correspond to the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of the RBCs (Red Blood Cells) in an individual. Likewise, one’s BMI is the ratio of that individual’s height to weight. Both variables have been linked to several metabolic disorders individually. However, their association with one another is of significant importance as plenty of work is being conducted on the issue with variable results, and there remains much more to be uncovered.

Aims: To identify frequency ABO blood groups and its relationship with Body Mass Index (BMI) among students of a medical college in Lahore.

Place & duration of study: Department of Physiology, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry from January 10th to March 11th, 2020

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 114 participants from 150 students of first year after taking written informed consent. BMI was calculated by estimating height and weight. Blood groups (ABO) were determined by traditional glass-slide method. The data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results: Out of 114 total students, 67 (58.8%) were males and 47 (41.2%) were females. B positive was found to be the most common blood group amongst the students (41.2%) followed by A positive (22.8%) and O positive (17.5%). Among female students, B positive was most common, and A negative and AB negative were the least common, while B positive was the most common blood group among male students.

Mean BMI was 22.3+3.7.

BMI of 67.5% students was within normal range and 11.4% were underweight while 18.4% were overweight and 2.6% obese. No significant association between the participants' blood groups and Body Mass Index was observed (p = 0.335).

Conclusion: B positive was the most common blood group, while A negative and AB negative were the least common among students. Majority students are having normal BMI, and there is no association found between blood groups and Body Mass Index.

Keywords: ABO, Blood groups, BMI, Medical students