Burns in Sierra Leone: a population-based assessment. Burns 2014 Dec;40(8):1748-53
Date
04/29/2014Pubmed ID
24767716DOI
10.1016/j.burns.2014.03.007Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84922059690 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 25 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE: Burns remain disproportionately prevalent in developing countries. This study aims to describe the epidemiology of burns in Sierra Leone to serve as a baseline for future programs.
METHODS: A cluster randomized, cross-sectional, countrywide survey was conducted in 2012 in Sierra Leone. With a standardized questionnaire demographics and deaths during the previous 12 months of household members were assessed with the household representative. Thereafter, 2 randomly selected household members were interviewed, elucidating whether participants had ever had a burn in six body regions and determining burn mechanisms and patterns of health care seeking behavior.
RESULTS: This study included 1843 households and 3645 individuals. 3.98% (145/3645) of individuals reported at least one burn-injury. The highest proportions of burns were reported in the age groups 0-4 years old (23/426, 5.4%) and 5-14 years old (37/887, 4.17%). The majority of burns (129/145, 89.0%) were caused by a hot liquid/object and the upper, extremities were the most commonly burned body regions, with 36% (53/145) of cases. 21% (30/145) of individuals with burns sought care from a traditional healer.
CONCLUSIONS: Burns are highly prevalent in Sierra Leone. Further research and resources should be allocated to the care and prevention of thermal injuries.
Author List
Wong EG, Groen RS, Kamara TB, Stewart KA, Cassidy LD, Samai M, Kushner AL, Wren SMAuthor
Laura Cassidy PhD Associate Dean, Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Burns
Child
Child, Preschool
Cluster Analysis
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Infant
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Prevalence
Sierra Leone
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult
