Epidemiology of burn injuries: Highlighting cultural and socio-demographic aspects

Abstract

Burns are devastating injuries that disproportionately affect people in developing countries, including children. In addition to a high mortality rate, survivors are burdened with life-long physical and emotional scars. The etiology and nature of burn injuries varies significantly by country, and this chapter explores the predominant causes and patterns of burn injury in both the developing and industrialized worlds. Gender differences play a significant role in the risk of burn injuries, across a spectrum with a predominance of women injured in fires from cooking and heating fuels in the developing world and industrial accidents primarily affecting men in developed nations. Children are particularly vulnerable to burn injuries, accounting for almost 50% of all burn patients in some studies. A majority of pediatric burns are scald injuries usually affecting very young children below the age of 5 years, and we discuss the behavioral patterns underlying this finding. Finally, the elderly form a rapidly increasing proportion of the population in many countries, and are often burdened with comorbidities that are likely to pose significant challenges in burn care.

Burns in Tehran: demographic, etiological, and clinical trends

“…Most burn occurred from natural gas, gasoline and kerosene (51.7%), followed by open fire (10.2%). In this regard, our findings were not consistent with those of other studies, which identified open fire as the main cause [1,3,13,15]. This discrepancy could be partly explained by the nature of reported burn differences, such as use of unsafe equipment in the workplace or at home, mishandling of gasoline or kerosene in gas stations, and use of kerosene as a main source for home heat by low income families.…”

“…This could be reduced by effective prevention plans based on the identification of major risk groups (of sex and age) and on safety pitfalls [1]. In Iran, these data have been systematically collected and analyzed, but plans and follow-up did not reach the proposed goals.…”

“…Burn injuries represent a significant public health concern worldwide because of the increased length of stay in intensive care units and general wards, nosocomial infections, as well as their high cost [1][2][3]. In Iran, burn-related injuries constitute about 18% of all hospitalized trauma cases in children and 5% in adults [4].…”

Characteristics of Burn Injury and Factors in Relation to Infection among Pediatric Patients

“…4,5 Burns from hot drinks, food, steam, or other hot liquids are common causes of burn injuries to young children compared to other burn injuries. 2 Burn patients are at high risk for infection as a result of the nature of the burn injury itself, the immunocompromizing effects of burns, prolonged hospital stays, and intensive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Sepsis of burn wounds is a serious problem leading to death and is one of the most important factors determining the prognosis of burn disease.…”

“…Burn is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and it is the fourth most common type of trauma worldwide. 1,2 Burn is a major issue on public health in terms of infection control and cost of treatment in both developing and developed countries, and burn in pediatric range from minor to severe injuries 3 Injuries in pediatrics are predictable, avoidable and preventable. 4,5 Burns from hot drinks, food, steam, or other hot liquids are common causes of burn injuries to young children compared to other burn injuries.…”