Gorby Ndaie¹, Christian Kisoka¹, Serge Mwamba Kabamba¹, Audace Kilolo Tunda¹˒², Ghislain Liaki Sangwa², Bénit Boluta², Béni Kaswangala¹, Christian Mulundu Lakwón², Roland Mianani Miansadi², Tatiana Mawana Niangi², Diva Modju Mbau², Odiko Lokangaka³, Jean-Marie Ntumba Kayembe ¹, Jean-Robert Rissassy Makulo¹
Auteur correspondant
Gorby Ndaie, MD
Courriel : gorbyndaie@gmail.com
Context & objective. ABO and Rhesus blood groups are key determinants of transfusion safety, yet their distribution among young adults in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is poorly documented.
This study aimed to describe the distribution of ABO and Rhesus blood groups among applicants to
the University of Kinshasa and to identify factors associated with minor blood groups. Methods. A
cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024–2025 using data from physical fitness examinations of
university applicants. ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined using a rapid immunohaematological test. Factors associated with minor blood groups were analyzed using logistic regression. Results. Among 13,247 students tested, O Rh-positive was the most frequent blood group (58.8%), while Rhesus-negative groups accounted for 3.7%. Minor blood groups were more common among students from Kongo Central Province (adjusted OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.8) and less common among those who knew their blood group prior to examination (adjusted OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.4–0.7). Conclusion. These findings confirm the predominance of O Rh-positive blood group among young adults in the DRC and highlight the value of systematic blood group screening in university settings.
Keywords: ABO Blood-Group System, Rh-Hr Blood-Group System, Students, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Received November 11, 2025
Accepted April 1, 2026
https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v19i3.6