Republic of Iraq

Ministry of Higher education and scientific Research

University o Anbar
College of Medicine

The Relation Between Blood Groups and Intelligence

Quotient Scores Among Medical College Students at
University of Anbar

Prepared By :

‫امحد هيثن دحا م‬ ‫محيد صباح فريح‬

‫وسين عبدالسالم خليف‬ ‫حسن فالح حسن‬

‫عمار جبري خليل‬ ‫عبد القادر عبدالعزيز علي‬

Supervised By :

Assistant Lecturer. Mohammed Ibrahim Younus

2023 / 2024
 The Relation Between Blood Groups and Intelligence Quotient Scores
Among Medical College Students at University of Anbar

Hamid Sabah Freah Ahmed Haitham Daham

Hasan Falah Hasan Wasem Abdul Salam Khalif
Abdul Qader Abdul Aziz Ali Ammar Jubayr Khalil

Abstract :

This study examines the potential correlation between blood groups and IQ
scores among medical students enrolled at the University of Anbar.
Drawing upon existing literature and research methodologies, and with the
aid of previous studies about the topic, this study aims to provide an idea of
the possible relationship between blood type and mental abilities among
students of college of medicine, University of Anbar.

Keywords : Blood Groups, ABO system, Intelligence Quotient.

Introduction :

The association between blood groups and various physiological and

psychological traits has intrigued researchers for decades. While some
studies have suggested possible links between specific blood types and
cognitive abilities, the evidence remains inconclusive. Blood groups are
observed to be associated differentially with personality traits and IQ levels.
The blood group is an inherited trait, and various ABO blood type genes
have been linked to personality traits. Regarding the individual level, there
are some genes called “catecholamine genes” which are linked to the ABO
blood group and personality. These include dopamine beta-hydroxylase
(DBH), catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), and monoamine oxidase A.
Variations in dopamine function appear to be associated with variations in
the personality (Mustafa et al., 2022). We believe that personality is
directly linked to the way of thinking and analyzing information, for this
reason, This study seeks to explore whether such a relationship exists
among medical students at the University of Anbar, emphasizing the
importance of understanding any potential implications for educational and
medical practices.

The ABO blood group system is associated with neurological health and
cognitive impairment, and also with structural differences in the healthy
human brain (Pluck, 2022). Blood groups are one of the attributes on which
population around the world differs (Sharifi et al., 2015). More than 300
blood group systems have been discovered until now. The two most
clinically significant blood group systems are ABO and Rhesus (Rh). Almost
all blood group genes are expressed as co-dominant antigens, i.e., both
genes are expressed in the heterozygote. Some blood group genes have
been assigned to specific chromosomes, e.g. ABO system on chromosome
9, Rh system on chromosome1 (Storry et al., 2009) and (Eastlund et al.,
1995). The antigens of the ABO blood group system (A, B and H
determinants, respectively) are complex carbohydrate molecules on the
extracellular surface of red blood cell membranes. However, along with
their expression on red blood cells, ABO antigens are also highly expressed
on the surface of a variety of human cells and tissues including the
epithelium, sensory neurons, platelets, and the vascular endothelium
(Franchini et al., 2007). Thus, the clinical significance of the ABO blood
group system extends beyond transfusion medicine and several reports
have suggested an important involvement in the development of
cardiovascular, oncological and other diseases (Furukawa et al., 1927)

A comprehensive review of the literature reveals a diverse array of studies

examining the relationship between blood groups and cognitive function.
For instance, a study by (Smith et al., 2017) found a significant correlation
between blood type AB and higher IQ scores, while other studies, such as
those conducted by Johnson and (Brown, 2019), (Lee et al., 2020) and
(Afaq et al., 2023), reported no significant associations. Another study
conducted in Delhi in 2017 reported contrasting findings as blood group “A”
had higher academic score in comparison with other blood groups, but
despite the variation no significant association was found between blood
group and academic performance (p < 0.05) (Ganuthula et al., 2019).
However, in 2014 Dr. Mohumad Saleh Atoom conducted a similar research
in Jordan using Otis- Lennon’s test for mental ability. His study reported
significant association between blood group and intelligence with higher IQ
levels among individuals with blood group “AB” and lowest IQ scores in
blood group “B” (Atoom, 2024). Also, a study by (Mustafa et al., 2022)
showed that ABO blood grouping may determine distinct personality-wise
characteristics of an individual which may or may not be related to the IQ
levels. Additionally, research exploring IQ scores among medical students
has yielded varying results, with some studies suggesting differences in
cognitive abilities based on blood type, while others found no such
correlations. Moreover, a study by (Anandarajan et al., 2015) revealed a
considerable difference in academic scores between the blood groups O
and A. Conversely, when the analysis was done individually for male and
female scores.

Materials and methods :

The current research was performed in 2023/2024 academic year,

Participants were 353 students from different grades in college of
medicine/University of Anbar/Iraq. After the Institutional Review Board’s
approval, we determined the ABO and Rh blood group of the participants
using Maxwin Blood Grouping Reagents (India) during the physiology
practical sessions. Intelligence levels were assessed using 20 questions with
20 minutes test duration, the test was performed with the aid of google
forms. SPSS 21 was used to analyze the data collected. Data collection
methods, sample sizes, statistical analyses, and other pertinent factors
were carefully evaluated to assess the reliability and validity of the findings.
Relationship between variables is determined using ANOVA. P < 0.05 was
regarded as significant.

This study employs a systematic approach to analyze existing studies

investigating the relationship between blood groups and IQ scores among
medical students. Utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and
relevant articles were identified based on predefined keywords.
Results :

Out of 353 students, 152 (18.98%) were male and 201 (81.01%) were
female. 78 had blood group B (B positive = 73 and B negative = 05), 142
students had blood group O (O positive = 134 and O negative = 08), 28 had
blood group AB (AB positive = 26, AB negative = 2) and 105 students had
blood group A (A positive = 100 and A negative = 05). Age range of the
students was 18-22 years. The highest percentage of students belonged to
blood group O that is 40.2% (Table 1).

Table 1. Distribution of ABO Blood Groups and Comparison of Mean of

Intelligence Quotient Range among the Study Participants.

Blood group Total Percentage IQ p-value a p-value

Number of (%) Scores
students (Mean ±SDb)
(Frequency)
B 78 22.1 17.83±6.90 0.819
O 142 40.2 17.67±6.63
AB 28 7.9 17.39±6.67
A 105 29.7 17.30±6.86
p-value calculated by using One-way ANOVA test.
IQa: Intelligence quotient.
SDb: Standard deviation

Results shows that there is no difference in the IQ level in various ABO

and Rh blood groups and IQ scoring among medical college students at
University of Anbar. We found highest IQ Scores in blood group B negative
with no statistical significance (p=0.162). (Table 2). Gender-specific marks
analysis show statistically no difference in the IQ scores since mean IQ
score of the both gender shows insignificant p-value.
Table 2. Distribution of ABO and Rh Blood Groups among Study Population
and Comparison of Mean Intelligence Quotient Range among the Study
Participants.
Blood Total Percentage IQa Scores p- p-value
group Number of (%) value
students (Mean ±SDb)
(Frequency)
B+ 73 20.7 17.83±6.92 0.162
B- 05 1.4 17.84±6.85
O+ 134 38 17.68±6.41
O- 08 2.3 17.63±9.92
AB+ 26 7.4 17.35±6.80
AB- 02 0.6 17.75±3.53
A+ 100 28.3 17.26±6.95
A- 05 1.4 17.92.00±4.00
p-value calculated by using One-way ANOVA test.
IQa: Intelligence quotient.
SDb: Standard deviation

Despite the intriguing hypotheses surrounding the relationship between

blood groups and cognitive function, the evidence remains inconclusive.
While some studies suggest potential correlations between specific blood
types and cognitive abilities, inconsistencies and methodological limitations
hinder definitive conclusions. Factors such as small sample sizes,
confounding variables, and publication bias contribute to the complexity of
this issue. Our research opens up opportunities to further study the
potential role and impact of blood group antigens in determining not only
the intelligence of an individual, but also other aspects of human nature
like their thinking, attitude, temperament and behavior.
Conclusion :

In conclusion, the relationship between blood groups and Intelligence

Quotient scores among medical students at the University of Anbar Showed
that there is no significant differences. We believe that this topic warrants
further investigation. While some studies suggest potential associations
between specific blood types and cognitive abilities, the evidence lacks
consistency and generalizability. Future research utilizing robust
methodologies and larger sample sizes is essential to elucidate any
potential links between blood groups and IQ scores in this population.
Understanding the interplay between biological factors, such as blood
types, and cognitive abilities could have significant implications for
personalized education and healthcare practices. In our study, there was no
significant difference in the intelligence of males and females whom are
tested in a similar fashion. This has important implications in the field of
education, as it shows that male and female students of different blood
groups have similar cognitive capabilities and consequently, similar
educational needs.
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