Epidemiology of Traumatic Brain Injury in Abu-Dhabi, UAE

Abstract

Background: Trauma is a leading cause of death around the world, and patients who suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have a worse prognosis and are at a higher probability of death compared to other trauma patients. The sheer burden of TBI on personal, social, and economic aspects of life is daunting. However, the available updated literature for UAE documenting the characteristics of TBI comprehensively is lacking. Hence, this study was conducted to understand the extent of TBI in order to encourage new policies and regulations, enhance existing programs or start new initiatives to reduce associated morbidities and mortalities. Methods: Our study involved a sample of 998 entries extracted from the Abu-Dhabi trauma registry between December 2018 and December 2020. Patients with TBI who died on arrival or were hospitalized for more than 24 hours were included in the study. Results: A total of 80% of our patients were males aged 40 years or below. The most common causes of head trauma were motor vehicle accidents and fall from heights. Most patients spent 10 days or less in the hospital. Patients who developed a disability after the injury were about 5%. The percentage of patients who led to death in our sample was 6 percent. Conclusion: Most TBIs are preventable through targeted public education and awareness programs where the target population is educated and aware of the safety precautions while driving, biking, doing blue-collar jobs, or hiking. Enforcing rules for traffic and labor safety also has another major preventative rule.