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

ABSTRACT

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.