Clinico-epidemiological study of burns: our experience with 500 patients

Abstract

Background: Burn injury represents one of the most important public health problems faced by both industrialized and developing country like India. The epidemiological factors of burn injury vary in different regions and countries. Aim of this study was to determine the etiology of burns, analyze the epidemiological features, and study the factors contributing to the mortality of burn patients in our region. Methods: This prospective descriptive study was conducted in department of surgery at a tertiary care teaching hospital at Solapur from January 2011 to December 2013. All the patients, irrespective of age and sex admitted with diagnosis of burn injury were included in the study. Clinical and epidemiological data collected. Patients were treated according to protocol. Results: The study was based on 500 burn patients admitted and treated. Most commonly affected age group was 21 to 40 years. Females were more commonly affected than males. Majority of burn injuries occurred in rural areas. Majority of burns were accidental in nature with flame the commonest cause. Maximum incidence of burn observed during winter season. Majority of burn injuries occurred between 5 pm to 11 pm. Labourers were more commonly affected. Majority of burn injuries occurred at home and most of the patients were illiterate. Conclusions: Flame was the commonest cause of burn injury in our study. Burns are preventable so public health programmes about various etiological factors and their preventive measures are necessary.