Journal de recherche clinique

Retrospective Study on Prevalence of Burn Injury among Children at St Francis Referral Hospital Morogoro Tanzania

Abstract

Theresia A. Karuhanga, Magreth E. Macha, Baltazary Theobald Sakurani, Lilian Them, Mabusi Mgabo, Mayoka Rashidi, Fassil Tekie, Frida R Mgonja

Introduction: Burn is an injury resulting from extreme temperature, chemicals or electricity. Fire-related burns are the most cause of death for children. Infants are at high risk consisting a global rate ranging from 3.0 to 4.9 deaths per 100 000 population.

Methodology: The study involved children aged between 2 to 9 years who were admitted due to burn injuries from January 2014 to December 2018. The hospital based study was conducted and data were collected by using medical records.

Results: The totals of 9125 were admitted during the period and surgical conditions accounted about 12% of total pediatric admissions. Among these 291 were enrolled with M: F 1.8:1. Scald was the common cause of burn in this population 213 (73%), children of 2yeas were the most affected group by 32.3% (94) and the mortality rate was 1.7%.

Conclusion: Majority of childhood burn injuries at this hospital are scald and most affected children with two years of age which give a needs of community based education of children and infant protection from burn injury.