Examining the Effect of Parental COVID-19 Vaccination Prior to Birth and the Association Between COVID-19 and Cancer in Children Under Six.

Abstract

The biology of COVID-19 has intricate links to childhood cancer, exacerbated by pandemic disturbances. This research aims to explore the association between childhood cancer in children under 6 years old and COVID-19 immunisation, in addition to the effects of vaccination on parents before delivery. The study employs a case-control approach, gathering informed consent and matching factors like age, marital status, and socioeconomic status between cases and controls. A survey was distributed, culminating in 191 children under six, with data from 136 diagnosed cancer cases collected in 2023, adhering to methodological standards in epidemiological research. The analysis utilised SPSS28, employing chi-square testing and logistic regression. Chi-square testing confirmed a significant rise in childhood cancer rates post-COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic rates. Key factors influencing cancer incidence include the mother's age at childbirth, parental vaccination history before pregnancy, maternal vaccination details during pregnancy, the child's COVID-19 infection status, and maternal marriage age. Notably, younger mothers faced higher COVID-19 infection risks, but vaccination appears to mitigate paediatric cancer risk. The post-pandemic surge in childhood cancer underscores a complex interplay of early exposures and maternal viral infections. Emphasising vaccination's protective effects before and during pregnancy, the study advocates integrating vaccination into maternal health programs. Public health measures should promote immunisation and address socioeconomic inequalities to lower paediatric cancer risk, aligning with previous studies linking parental health behaviours to childhood cancer incidence.