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Characteristics of paediatric burns in Sichuan province: epidemiology and prevention
Yong Liu1, Ying Cen, Jun-Jie Chen
1Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Insights
Paediatric burns in Sichuan, China, are most common in young children due to scalds and flames, often occurring indoors. Prevention programs should target guardians with education on burn safety and first aid.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric burn epidemiology
- Public health
- Injury prevention
Background:
- Paediatric burns represent a significant public health concern globally.
- Understanding the specific epidemiology of paediatric burns is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of paediatric burns in Sichuan province, China.
- To inform the development of effective burn prevention programs for children in this region.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of paediatric burn patients admitted to West China Hospital Burn Centre (2003-2009).
- Data collected included demographics, burn aetiology, burn circumstances (time, place, environment), and guardian education/knowledge.
- Analysis of burn severity based on total burn surface area (TBSA).
Main Results:
- 1387 paediatric burn patients were analyzed; 72.1% were aged 0-3 years.
- Scalds (81.3%) and flames (17.1%) were the primary causes; burns predominantly occurred indoors (4.93:1 ratio) and in rural areas (4.03:1 ratio).
- Peak incidence was observed from April to September, with higher risks during mealtimes and bathtimes; guardians demonstrated limited first aid knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Burn prevention initiatives should focus on improving living conditions and providing direct burn prevention education to guardians.
- Targeted educational interventions are necessary, especially for rural populations, to enhance first aid knowledge and reduce burn incidence.
Objective:
This study analysed the epidemiology of paediatric burns in Sichuan province, China, for the formulation of prevention programmes for this population.
Methods:
A retrospective review was performed of paediatric patients admitted to the Burn Centre of West China Hospital during 2003-2009, including patient demographics, burn aetiology, time and place of burn, rural or urban population, and education level and burn knowledge of the patients' guardians.
Results:
A total of 1387 paediatric burn patients, mean age 3.21 years (range 0-14 years) were admitted. The majority (72.1%) were 0-3 years old, and the male/female ratio was 2.39:1. Most common aetiologies were scalds (81.3%), flames (17.1%), and electricity (1.3%), while chemical burns were rare. The ratio of indoor versus outdoor location was 4.93:1, and the rural/urban ratio was 4.03:1. Burns were classified as: total burn surface area (TBSA) ranging from 0% to 5%, (23.9% of patients); TBSA between 5% and 15% (33.2%); TBSA between 15% and 25% (29.8%); TBSA greater than 25% (13.1%). There was a higher prevalence from April to September, and the peak times were mealtime and bathtime. The education level was lower in the rural group. Both urban and rural groups had little knowledge of first aid for burns.
Conclusions:
Burn prevention programmes should promote improved living conditions, with prevention education addressed directly to the guardians of children.
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