Birth Outcome and Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Childhood Leukemia in Rwanda: A case - Control Study
Felicien Turatsinze1, Erigene Rutayisire1, Michael Habtu1
1Public Health, Mount Kenya University, Kigali-Kicukiro-Rwanda.
Insights
Birth asphyxia and neonatal jaundice significantly increase the risk of childhood leukemia. Further research and investment in childhood cancer are crucial for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood leukemia is a leading cause of cancer-related death in children.
- Identifying risk factors is critical for early detection and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate birth outcomes and maternal risk factors associated with childhood leukemia in Rwanda.
- To determine the association between specific birth complications and the incidence of childhood leukemia.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 103 children diagnosed with leukemia (cases) and 103 controls.
- Data were collected via semi-structured questionnaires and phone calls.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- Children experiencing birth asphyxia had a nearly 2.5 times increased risk of leukemia (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AoR]=2.47).
- Neonatal jaundice was associated with a five-fold increase in leukemia risk (AoR=5.05).
- Cesarean section delivery was noted in 41.3% of participants.
Conclusions:
- Birth asphyxia and neonatal jaundice are significant risk factors for childhood leukemia.
- Increased investment in childhood oncology research is essential for improving healthcare system efficiency and case management.
Background:
Leukemia is the most common cancer affecting children and remains the top cause of death among children.
Objective:
This study aimed at determining birth outcomes and maternal risk factors associated with childhood leukemia in Rwanda.
Methods:
A case control study was conducted at Butaro Cancer Referral hospital. The sample of 103 cases and 103 controls was recruited using the records for children diagnosed with Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and those who were hospitalized for non-cancer treatment as controls. Semi-structured questionnaire and phone calls were used to gather information. SPSS version 21.0 was used to analyze the data. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors.
Results:
The majority (56.8%) of children who participated in the study were aged 10-14 years. Overall 41.3% were born via C-Section. It was revealed that children who had had birth asphyxia had about three (3) times increased risk of childhood leukemia [AoR=2.47, 95%CI: 1.167-5.262, P=0.018] compared to children that had not experienced birth asphyxia. Children who had suffered Neonatal Jaundice, had five (5) times increased risk of getting leukemia [AOR= 5.05, 95%CI: 1.738-14.664, P=0.003].
Conclusion:
It is important that public and private stakeholders invest more in childhood oncology researches to enable the health system deliver effective management of the cases more efficiently.
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