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Burns in southern Turkey: electrical burns remain a major problem
T Z Nursal1, S Yildirim, A Tarim
1Department of General Surgery, Başkent University Adana Teaching and Medical Research Hospital, Turkey.
The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|September 23, 2003
Summary
Electrical burn injuries in Turkey are a significant public health concern. Despite lower mortality, electrical burns led to more complications, higher costs, and longer hospital stays compared to other burn types.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Trauma Surgery
- Burn Care
Background:
- Burns are a major public health issue in Turkey, despite their relatively low overall incidence.
- Electrical injuries constitute a notable subset of burn cases, particularly affecting males.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors influencing outcomes in burn patients in southern Turkey.
- To specifically analyze outcomes associated with electrical burn injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a database of 109 burn patients admitted between April 2000 and August 2001.
- Comparison of outcomes between electrical burn patients and other burn patient groups.
Main Results:
- Electrical burns accounted for 21% of cases, predominantly affecting males (95%).
- Electrical burn patients had lower mortality rates but higher complication rates, treatment costs, and longer hospital stays.
- The incidence of electrical burns in Turkey has remained largely unchanged over two decades.
Conclusions:
- Electrical burns present unique challenges in terms of complications and resource utilization.
- There is a critical need for enhanced prevention strategies, including public education and stricter electrical safety regulations in Turkey.