Epidemiology of burns at the Italian Red Cross Hospital in Baghdad

This study describes the epidemiology and patterns of moderate to severe burn injuries (%BSA>or=20-90) treated at the Italian Red Cross Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, during the medical mission of the tenth Italian Red Cross Contingent, from 3 April to 19 May 2004. Burn injuries sustained by members of the civilian population admitted to the Burns Unit, irrespective of age and sex, are analysed (n=48). Differences in risk distribution between different segments of the population are reported and typical injury patterns are identified. The six injury patterns identified are labelled "child scaldings", "domestic accidents", "unsafe working conditions", "suicide attempts", "injuries among children in role-play" and "war related injuries". The results show that burn injury incidence is particularly high for women and children. There is a pronounced difference between genders after adulthood (age 15 and up). The mortality rate is higher in females. Most of the burns occurred in the home: a public health education campaign might help reduce the incidence of these injuries.