Systematic review of burn injuries in East Africa
Jess Medland1, 1Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
Abstract
Background
Paediatric burn injuries are a significant problem in East Africa and they are often preventable. With limited access to acute burns care in these countries, complications often lead to morbidity or mortality. There is limited knowledge in the community on prevention or investment in preventative strategies. Current lack of epidemiological data prevents a targeted approach to intervention. This systematic review identifies the demographics, mechanisms and risk factors for paediatric (0-17 years) burn injuries in East Africa.
Methods
Three searches were undertaken in Pubmed, Ebsco (Cinahl and Medline) and East African Journal Online, focusing on burns in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda). Studies were included where independent paediatric data (0-17years) was available on burn aetiology.
Results
Twelve publications with a total of 1,728 patients from the three countries qualified for inclusion in the study. Males constituted 55.9% of burns cases, and the majority were under five years of age (>63.6%). Most burns were sustained in the home environment (>86.6%) and were unintentional (>93.8). Scalds were the most common cause of burn injury at 69.2 percent, while flame accounted for 24.3 percent of paediatric burns. Traditional first aid approaches were more commonly reported, than the correct application of cold water. There was limited data found on burn mortality.
Conclusions
Findings prompt urgent review of burns prevention strategies and highlight the need for education programs to combat the high rates of preventable burns in East Africa.
Biography
Dr Jess Medland is currently a Senior Plastics resident at Peninsula Health. Prior to medicine she worked as a Hand Therapist and established a charitable organisation Mama Cynthia in rural Kenya. For over a decade Jess has focused on community burn prevention programs and improving post-operative rehabilitation.