EPID-08. PATTERN OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DISTRIBUTION OF INTRACRANIAL NEOPLASMS IN NIGERIA FROM 1960: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND POOLED ANALYSIS

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND Intracranial neoplasms, encompassing a range of benign and malignant tumors, pose significant health challenges worldwide. This study systematically reviews the epidemiological patterns of intracranial neoplasms in Nigeria from 1960 to the present, providing a comprehensive analysis of their distribution, demographic characteristics, and temporal trends. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, encompassing studies published from 1960 onwards. Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched using relevant keywords. Eligible studies were those that reported on the incidence, prevalence, or demographic details of intracranial neoplasms in Nigeria. RESULTS A total of 45 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 3,517 cases of intracranial neoplasms. The pooled analysis revealed a significant increase in the incidence of intracranial neoplasms over the study period. The pooled prevalence between the year 1960 to presences is 3.22 (95% CI: 1.66 – 5.22), while the pooled 10-yearly incidence was 3.66(95% CI: 1.67 – 6.32), the incidence rose from 2.18% in 1960-1969 to 4.08% in 2000-2009, and eventually to 4.84% in 2010 – 2019. The most common types of intracranial neoplasms identified were gliomas, meningioma pituitary adenomas; meningioma was the leading type found in adults followed by glioma and pituitary adenoma, while in pediatric age group glioma was leading followed by medulloblastoma, and craniopharyngioma. The demographic analysis indicated a higher prevalence in males compared to females with male-to-female ratio of 1.17:1, with the majority of cases occurring in the fourth to sixth decades of life. Geographic distribution showed higher incidence rates in southern Nigeria especially south east and south west compared to Northern Nigeria, potentially reflecting disparities in diagnostic facilities and healthcare access. CONCLUSION This review highlights an increasing trend in the incidence of intracranial neoplasms in Nigeria, with distinct demographic and geographic patterns. The findings underscore the need for improved diagnostic capabilities, enhanced public health strategies, and targeted interventions to address the burden of intracranial neoplasms in Nigeria.