Burn injuries among children admitted at Webuye County hospital: patterns and management outcomes

Abstract

Background: Burn injuries constitute a major public health problem and are among the leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. They represent an extremely stressful experience for both the burn victims as well as their families. There is paucity of published data on the epidemiology of childhood burn injuries in Western Kenya, which would be useful in making recommendations on appropriate preventive measures and management of the injuries. Aim: This study was conducted to describe the patterns and management outcomes of children with burn injuries admitted at Webuye County Hospital Methods: A descriptive study of children with burn injuries was conducted at Webuye County Hospital (Western Kenya) over a one-year period from April 2013 to March 2014. Data was collected using a pre-tested coded questionnaire and information on management outcome extracted from the patient files upon discharge. Study population consisted of children 12 years and below admitted with burn injuries and all eligible participants were enrolled into the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 17.0 Results: There were 60 participants. Females consisted of 51.7% while 85% were aged 5 years and below. Majority of the burn injuries occurred at home in the absence of the caretaker. Scalds were the most common cause of burns accounting for 53.3% while the trunk was the most commonly involved body region in 57% with a mean TBSA of 10%. The rate of burn wound infection on admission was 10%. Surgery was performed in 16.7% while the rest were managed conservatively. The average length of stay (LOS) was 11.6 +4days. Fatality rate was 5%. Conclusion: Most childhood burn injuries occur at home and affect younger children. Majority of the injuries are scalds. Pre-hospital interventions are inadequate. The main shortterm complication is scarring and the mortality rate is 5%. Recommendations: There is need to educate the community on childhood burn injury prevention, improvement of home safety measures and adequate supervision of young children. There is also need for education on appropriate pre-hospital first aid care for burns.