Burns: the epidemiological pattern, risk and safety awareness, and prehospital care; a cross-sectional survey at Kenyatta National Hospital
Abstract
Aim.
The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological pattern, knowledge of risk of
burns and possible preventive measures among patients admitted to Kenyatta National
Hospital with bums, and the care received before admission.
Materials and Methods.
The study design was a descriptive survey. All consenting patients admitted to the
hospital with burns were eligible for inclusion. Data was collected over a two and a
half months period beginning the 7th March to 20th May2003. One hundred and ten
patients were evaluated. A questionnaire was administered to collect epidemiological
data, details of the circumstances leading to injury, patient's awareness of the risk of
burns and possible preventive measures. Information regarding care received from the
time of injury to admission and their mode of transportation to hospital was recorded.
Burn injuries were assessed for distribution on the body, extent and depth of burn.
Results.
Most of the patients were children under five years (531110). Majority of the patients
were residents of Nairobi and its environs 102 (92.7%). Scalds were the most frequent
injuries (56) followed by open flame burns (51). Scalds predominated among young
children while open flame burns were more common among adults. Open flame burns
were more extensive and deeper than scalds. There were 18 patients with burns as a
result of arson with paraffin as the most common accelerant used. Two patients had
self-inflicted injuries in suicide attempts. Knowledge of the risk of burns or possible
preventive measures was poor.
Children were accidentally burnt at home in the care of their parents. Some adults
were deliberately burnt using accelerants. Few patients were aware of risk to burns o
otential methods of bum prevention. Pre-hospital care was inadequate and
sometimes inappropriate. Few patients were transported to hospital by ambulance or
received any form of treatment in transit.
Conclusion.
Children were the most vulnerable to burns especially scalds. Adults sustained more
open flame burns often involving accelerants which were more severe injuries than
scalds. There were significant intentional injuries. There is need to educate both the
public and health care providers on bum prevention and appropriate care once injuries
have occurred.
Citation
M.Med (Surgery) ThesisSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Department of Medicine, University of Nairobi
Description
Master of Medicine Thesis