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
brain neoplasm - head trauma - association - risk factors - epidemiology
