Having Children Is Associated with a Higher Prevalence of COVID-19 among Young Adults in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVES: The role of children in the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. We investigated whether having children is associated with self-reported COVID-19 among adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional study enrolled adults living in Kuwait (n = 2,355; aged ≥21 years). Prior COVID-19 diagnosis and having children were self-reported. Associations were assessed using Poisson regression, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. RESULTS: Of the 2,355 participants (1,595 female subjects), 744 (31.6%) and 605 (25.7%) were of age 21-29 and 30-39 years, respectively. Overall, 4.8% (114/2,355) of the participants reported having had COVID-19, with 4.8% of females and 5.1% of males reporting prior COVID-19 diagnosis. In the total study sample, having children showed a trend for association with having had COVID-19 (aPR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.99-2.14, p = 0.056). Among participants aged 21-29 years, having children was associated with an increased prevalence of COVID-19 (aPR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.21-5.20, p = 0.014). Such an association was not detected in adults aged ≥30 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our epidemiological findings highlight the possible role of children in spreading COVID-19. Hence, preventive measures should consider the role of children.

Acceptance of a COVID-19 Vaccine and Its Related Determinants among the General Adult Population in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the acceptance of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine among the general adult population in Kuwait and assess its determinants. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling adults living in Kuwait (n = 2,368; aged ≥21 years). Acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine was inferred if participants indicated that they "definitely or probably will accept vaccination against COVID-19 once a vaccine is available." Associations were explored by applying a modified Poisson regression to estimate and infer adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: In total, 53.1% (1,257/2,368) of the participants were willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine once available. Male subjects were more willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine than females (58.3 vs. 50.9%, p < 0.001). Subjects who viewed vaccines in general to have health-related risks were less willing to accept vaccination (aPR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.35-0.44). Moreover, participants who previously received an influenza vaccine were more likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine (aPR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.31-1.58). Willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 increased as the self-perceived chances of contracting the infection increased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, 53.1% of the study participants demonstrated willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We found several factors influencing the level of acceptance. Since vaccination appears to be an essential preventive measure that can halt the COVID-19 pandemic, factors relating to low vaccine acceptance need to be urgently addressed by public health strategies.