Incidence and risk factors of burn injuries among infants, Finland 1990-2010

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Burn injuries pose a significant threat to infants under one year of age.
• Understanding incidence, mechanisms, treatment, and risk factors is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence, mechanisms, treatment, and risk factors of burn injuries in infants (<1 year) in Finland.
• To identify trends and high-risk populations for targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized national registers: National Hospital Discharge Register (NHDR), Finnish Medical Birth Register, and Cause of Death Register.
• Analyzed data from 1990-2011, including 1842 burn-injured infants.
• Correlated burn data with birth and maternal factors.

Main Results:

• Overall incidence of burn admissions (inpatient and outpatient) increased significantly (p<0.05) during the study period.
• Major risk factors identified: male gender, parity, mother's young age, and low socioeconomic status.
• Scalds and contact burns were most common; injury severity and surgical treatment needs increased with age, peaking at 9-12 months.

Conclusions:

• Burn injury incidence in Finnish infants under one year has risen in recent decades.
• First-born, 9- to 12-month-old boys of young, low-SES mothers face the highest risk.
• Enhanced preventative strategies are urgently needed to mitigate infant burn injuries.