ABO Blood Group and Its Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

@#Introduction: ABO blood group can be associated with chronic diseases, for example, cancer and coronary heart disease, however it is not proven in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to identify the association between the ABO blood group and disease control among T2DM patients at Kepala Batas, Penang. Methods: Approximately two mL vials of fresh blood were collected and typed using the tube method from 129 T2DM and 132 non-diabetic (control) patients, who visited the specialist clinic. The sociodemographic characteristics of the T2DM patients was analysed using descriptive analysis. The proportions of A, B, AB, and O blood groups among the diabetic and control patients were compared using the chi-square test. Any association between the ABO blood group and disease control was identified using the bivariate correlation test. Results: No significant association was found between the ABO group and T2DM patients (p = 0.152) when compared with the control group. However, blood group B was the most frequent among T2DM patients (33.3%) compared to blood group O within the control group (36.4%). Negative associations were observed between the ABO blood group and BMI (r = 0.098, p = 0.268), as well as the HbA1C value (r = -0.065, p = 0.464). Conclusion: No association was found between the ABO blood group and the associated risk factors (BMI and HbA1C). However, individuals with blood group B and risk factors, such as older age group, obesity, and high HbA1C value (more than 7.0%), should be monitored.

Haematochezia and Higher Glasgow-Blatchford Score are Predictive Factors for Higher Red Blood Cells Transfusion Units in a Hospital-based Retrospective Study

@#Introduction: The association between clinical characteristics and endoscopic profile of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) patients with red blood cell (RBC) transfusion has not been well explored in Malaysia. Therefore, a retrospective study was performed using a five-years database to analyse the factors clinically and endoscopically for RBC transfusion. Methods: All adult NVUGIB patients who received RBC transfusion within the study period of 2012-2017 in Putrajaya Hospital were enrolled. There were 180 patients selected by systematic random sampling. Our composed clinical data include demography, risk factor, aetiology, presenting symptoms, Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS), endoscopic findings according to Forrest Classification and number unit of RBC transfusion. These data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U-Test, Pearson Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). Results: Total 180 patients, the mean age was 63.9 (SD 11.6). Their presenting symptoms were melaena (62.8%), haematemesis (38.3%), and haematochezia (10.6%), with the cause of bleeding was gastric erosion (65.6%), duodenitis/duodenal ulcer (26.1%), and oesophagitis (7.8%). The mean GBS score was 10.7, and the number of RBC transfusion unit was 2.8. The Forrest Classification showed Forrest III (36.1%), Forrest IIc (22.8%), Forrest IIb and Ib (14.4%) respectively. Pearson’s Correlation showed a strong correlation between GBS and unit of RBC transfusion (r = 0.922, p-value <0.001). MLR analysis revealed haematochezia (p = 0.022) and higher GBS (p <0.001) were independent factors associated with a higher number of RBC transfusion unit. Conclusion: Haematochezia and higher GBS score were two predictive factors for a higher RBC transfusion unit in NVUGIB patients.

Motivating Factors and Potential Deterrents for Blood Donation among Young Blood Donors in Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract@# Introduction: Recruitment of potential blood donors from a younger age group is a good effort because they would be in good health and may have a long journey in blood donation. This study evaluated the motivating and deterring factors for donating blood among blood donors, who are students pursuing higher education. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a set of questionnaires, involving 391 students in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. The research tool was adapted and modified, as well as validated and pilot-tested to ensure its validity and reliability. Data were analysed using the SPSS and Stata software. Results: The most highly rated motivating factor for donating blood was to help others and to create a good practice (98%). The motivating factor of being interested in a blood donation campaign was highly rated by female respondents (87%) compared to male respondents (79.1%). The most highly rated deterring factor was the dislike for skipping a class to donate blood (30.9%), which was highly rated as a positive response by female blood donors (35.1%). There was a significant difference between the motivating factors (p = 0.043) and the deterring factors (p = 0.011), as seen between gender. Items that have the logo of the blood donation centre, such as T-shirts, towels, mugs or bags are rated as the most attractive incentive (87%). Conclusion: Altruism was the main reason for young blood donors choosing to donate blood. Social media usage should be considered when promoting blood donation campaigns to this age group.