Association between Brain Tumors and Head Injury: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study in Afghanistan

Abstract

Objectives: Brain tumors pose a significant global health challenge, contributing to both mortality and disability. While various risk factors have been proposed, the association between head injuries and brain tumor development remains debated. Understanding this link is particularly crucial in resource-limited regions like Afghanistan. This study aims to investigate the potential correlation between head injuries and brain tumor development in the Afghan population.

Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted at Ali Abad University Hospital in Kabul from October 2022 to September 2023. Data were collected from 64 patients diagnosed with brain tumors (cases) and 159 matched controls without tumors. Patient demographics and history of head injuries were recorded and analyzed.

Results: The association between head injury and brain tumor incidence was assessed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. An odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to determine the strength of the association, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A history of head injury was reported in 42.2% of brain tumor cases, compared to 22% in the control group (p = 0.002). Individuals with a history of head injury had significantly higher odds of developing a brain tumor (OR = 2.585; 95% CI = 1.388-4.815). Most brain tumor cases (71.9%) were aged 36 to 65 years, with a gender distribution of 56.3% male and 43.7% female. In contrast, the control group had a higher proportion of males (72.3%).

Conclusion: This study suggests a significant correlation between head injuries and brain tumor development, aligning with findings from global research on this debated relationship. Further large-scale studies across Afghanistan are needed to validate these findings and provide deeper insights into the potential risks associated with head injuries and brain tumor development.

Keywords: association; brain neoplasm; epidemiology; head trauma; risk factors.