PREVALENCE OF RHESUS NEGATIVE BLOOD GROUP AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC AT FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER ABEOKUTA.

This research investigates the prevalence of Rh-negative blood groups among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the Federal Medical Center Abeokuta. Pregnancy, a transformative phase in a woman's life, necessitates comprehensive prenatal care, with understanding the blood group status being crucial. The Rhesus (Rh) factor, discovered in 1940, plays a pivotal role during pregnancy, and Rh incompatibility can lead to severe complications. However, the prevalence of Rh-negative blood groups among pregnant women in Abeokuta remains unknown, posing challenges for healthcare providers. The study employs a cross-sectional design, focusing on pregnant women at the Federal Medical Center Abeokuta. A sample size of 248 participants is determined through systematic random sampling. Data collection includes blood typing and demographic information through interviews and record reviews. The results reveal that 23.4% of participants have Rh-negative blood groups. Demographic analysis demonstrates significant associations between Rh-negative prevalence and age (p = 0.032), parity (p = 0.030), socioeconomic status (p = 0.009), and educational level (p = 0.002). The findings underscore the importance of considering these factors in antenatal care. This study contributes essential insights into the prevalence and demographic characteristics of Rh-negative blood groups among pregnant women in Abeokuta. It emphasizes the necessity for targeted screening and interventions to mitigate the risks associated with Rh incompatibility, ultimately improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. Word count: 217 Keywords: Rh-negative blood groups, pregnancy, prevalence, demographic characteristics.