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.