Epidemiology of outpatient burns in Iran: an update

Burn injury remains a serious and devastating issue faced by developing countries. It is also true, however, that the developed world still tackles many of the challenges caused by burns. In order to reduce this problem through preventive programs, the characteristics of this type of injury must be studied and well documented in each setting. Our study aims to show the epidemiology, demographic distribution and clinical outcomes of burns patients referred to Motahari Burn Hospital, the burn care center that receives the most referrals in Iran. This cross-sectional study, from March 2009 to March 2010, included 6,910 patients with burn injuries who were managed as outpatients. The patient demographics along with the characteristics of the burn injuries and their outcomes were recorded for each case and then evaluated. A total of 6,910 burn patients with a mean ± SD age of 30.20 ± 19.11 years presented to our Emergency Department and were treated as outpatients. Of these, 2,900 were female (41.97%) and 4,010 were male (58.03%). Most of the patients were in the 25-35 year age group, with a prevalence of 1,148 (28.6% of total) males and 716 females (24.7% of total), followed by those aged <15-years-old. Most patients had been burned accidentally. An increase in the instance of self-immolation was identified with an increase in the TBSA burned. Mean follow-up was 30+/-5 months. The results revealed that burns were most likely to occur during housekeeping. Other high risk groups identified were males, those aged from 25 to 35 years-old, and those with lower socio-economic status.