P1-536 Epidemiology of paediatric burn injuries in Shiraz, Iran in 2009

• Published in: Journal of epidemiology and community health (1979) 2011-08, Vol.65 (Suppl 1), p.A215-A215
• Main Authors: Tolide-ie, H, Sahraeian, F, Afrasiabi, Z, Mohammadi, A A, Kherad, M, Tolide-ie, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Burns; Epidemiology; Injuries; Mortality; Sex ratio; Urban areas
• ISSN: 0143-005X; 1470-2738
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.2011.142976h.24

IntroductionBurn injuries are very important causes of morbidity and mortality among children. The aim of this study was to determine the burn related injuries in paediatric population in Shiraz, which is one of the largest cities in the Fars province in Iran.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, we investigated 691 burn victims aged 14 years and less in year 2009 admitted to Ghotbeddin hospital, the only burn specialised centre in the South of Iran.ResultsThese subjects represent 31.5% (691/2194) of all burn patients treated in that year. The children's mean age was 4±3.4 years and their burn per cent was 5.7%±10.9%. Their sex ratio (M/F) was 1.37 and 1–6 year children were the most frequent group (58.3%) among paediatric patients. There were no statistical significant differences in the age (p=0.67) and burn per cent (p=0.88) of two sexes. Only 105 cases (15%) were hospitalised and others were treated as out-patients. Five-hundred thirty seven cases (78%) were from urban areas and others were rural people. Boiling water (34%), hot tea (20%) and hot food (6.8%) were the three leading causes of paediatric burns. Winter had the highest incidence of paediatric burns (30%). What's more, living room (45.4%) and kitchen (31.4%) were the most common places of burn incidence. The mortality rate in pediatrics was 2% (14/691).ConclusionMost of the paediatric burn injuries happened at home by hot liquids in the colder seasons of the year. It is suggested that paediatric burn prevention should be an essential element of parental education.