Factors Associated With COVID-19 in Children Aged 0-15 Years in Niger, 2020

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study including all COVID-19 suspects in the database. We used Excel and Epi Info 7.2.4. software for data extraction and analysis. Frequencies and proportions were calculated, we estimated in a logistic regression the OR of association with their 95% confidence interval, the factors associated with COVID-19 at the threshold of p<0.05.

Results: Of 572 notified suspected COVID-19 cases in children aged 0-15 years, 11.36% were positive. The median age of infected children was 10 years [IQR: 5- 13 years]. The sex ratio of males to females was 2.1. Children aged 11-15 years were 49.2%, 61.5% resided in Niamey, 4.6% had comorbidities. The notion of travel was 12.3% and 40% had a notion of contact, 24.4% had a fever, 23.2% had a cough, 18% were hospitalized and the case fatality was 1.5%. In etiological analysis, the factors associated with COVID-19 were sex ORa= 0.51 [0.28-0.93] p=0.028, the presence of symptoms ORa= 2.29 [1.23-4.25] p=0.008 and the notion of contact ORa= 0.32 [0.13-0.77] p=0.011.

exposed children were sensitive to COVID-19, all age groups were affected with a male predominance. We recommend barrier measures adapted to young people, early detection and management of infected children.