Association Between Myopia And The Abo/Rh Blood Groups Among College Of Science Students, KNUST

Marfo Melvic Amponsah; Hagar Asantewaa  Awuni; Sylvester  Kyeremeh; Nana Yaa  Koomson

doi:10.4314/just.v1i1.1757

Dr. Marfo Melvic Amponsah Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3026-2747
Dr. Hagar Asantewaa Awuni Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4534-198X
Dr. Sylvester Kyeremeh Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7916-0175
Dr. Nana Yaa Koomson Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/just.v1i1.1757

Keywords: myopia, ABO/Rh, blood group, risk factor

Abstract

Purpose: This cross-sectional study sought to determine the association between ABO/Rh blood groups and myopia among adults in Ghana

Methods: This study was conducted among randomly selected 407 students at the College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Non-cycloplegic objective refraction using an autorefractor was used to determine the refractive status. ABO/Rh blood groups were determined using the tile method. Data was entered and cleaned with Microsoft Excel Version 16.0 and analyzed with Stata Version 15 employing Pearson’s Chi-square test of association and Fisher’s exact tests to ascertain the association between myopia and ABO/Rh blood groups. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval.

Results: A total of 310 students participated in the study, out of which 169 (54.52%) were females and 141 (45.48%) were males. The average (±SD) age of the students was 21.30 (±2.06). The mean spherical equivalent measurements (±SD) for emmetropes, myopes and hyperopes were +0.01D (±0.26), -1.51D (±1.25) and +0.85D (±0.79), respectively. Myopia prevalence was 34.19%. The blood group prevalence in the population was O, B, A, and AB, with Rh+ being more common than Rh-. The chi-square test indicated no significant correlation between myopia and ABO or Rh blood groups (p-values of 0.381 and 0.0802, respectively).

Conclusion: While our research did not find any significant correlation between myopia and ABO/ Rh blood groups, we observed intriguing patterns of refractive errors and blood groups distribution influenced by various factors.

Author Biographies

Dr. Marfo Melvic Amponsah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Marfo Melvic Amponsah is an esteemed Optometrist and researcher, specializing in refractive errors, low vision and rehabilitation therapy, ocular pathology, ocular pharmacology and therapeutics, glaucoma, and contact lenses. He is affiliated with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as a research assistant. Additionally, Dr. Amponsah serves as a clinical optometrist at Standard Practice Dental and Eye Clinic. His contributions to the field are well-regarded, reflecting his dedication to advancing eye health and vision science.

Dr. Hagar Asantewaa Awuni, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Hagar Asantewaa Awuni is an optometrist and researcher affiliated with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Her research focuses on advancing our understanding of vision science, with a particular emphasis on adaptive optics, diabetes, and myopia. She currently practices as a clinical optometrist at Sight for All Eye Care Centre. Dr. Awuni’s work aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice and cutting-edge research, driving innovation and positive impact in the lives of patients and communities worldwide.

Dr. Sylvester Kyeremeh, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Sylvester Kyeremeh is a respected lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology with expertise in optometry, vision science, clinical epidemiology, eye health services, refractive errors, and intraocular pressure. His extensive research and clinical work have contributed to the understanding and treatment of various eye conditions, making him a valuable asset to the academic and medical communities.

Dr. Nana Yaa Koomson, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Nana Yaa Koomson is a dedicated optometrist and public health advocate affiliated with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Her areas of specialization include myopia, public health optometry, and contact lenses. Dr. Koomson's work focuses on addressing and mitigating the impacts of myopia and improving overall eye health through public health initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to advancing optometric practice and education.