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Developmental and behavioural associations of burns and scalds in children: a prospective population-based study
Alan Emond1, Clare Sheahan2, Julie Mytton3
1Scar Free Foundation Children's Burns Research Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Insights
Child developmental and behavioral factors, including motor skills and temper tantrums, are linked to burn risks. Advanced gross motor skills and coordination issues increase burn risk in children, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Burns and scalds are significant childhood injuries.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between child developmental and behavioral characteristics and the risk of burns and scalds.
- To identify specific developmental and behavioral profiles that predict burn injuries in children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 12,966 participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
- Linked pre-injury developmental data (maternal questionnaires) with injury data collected via questionnaires.
- Analyzed developmental profiles at various stages from pregnancy to 11 years of age.
Main Results:
- Burn incidence varied by age, with higher rates in younger children (birth-2 years).
- Boys <2 years and girls 5-11 years showed higher burn risks.
- Advanced gross motor development and poor fine motor skills (up to age 2) were associated with burns.
- Coordination problems at 4.5 years predicted burns between 5-11 years.
- Temper tantrums and hyperactivity at 3.5 years predicted burns in primary school age.
Conclusions:
- Childhood burns are associated with specific developmental and behavioral factors.
- Male gender in infancy and female gender in school age are risk factors.
- Motor development (advanced gross motor, coordination difficulties) and behavioral issues (hyperactivity, temper tantrums) are key predictors.
Objective:
To investigate child developmental and behavioural characteristics and risk of burns and scalds.
Design:
Data on burns in children up to 11 years from 12 966 participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were linked to developmental profiles measured before the burn injury.
Measures:
Preinjury profiles of the children derived from maternal questionnaires completed in pregnancy, and at 6, 18, 42, 47 and 54 months. Injury data collected by questionnaire at 6, 15 and 24 months and 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 8.5 and 11 years of age.
Results:
Incidence: Burn rates were as follows: birth-2 years 71.9/1000/year; 2-4.5 years 42.2/1000/year; 5-11 years 14.3/1000/year. Boys <2 years were more likely to sustain burns, and girls had more burns between age 5 and 11 years. Medical attention was sought for 11% of burn injuries. Development: Up to age 2 years, burns were more likely in children with the most advanced gross motor developmental scores and the slowest fine motor development. Children with coordination problems at 4.5 years of age had increased risk of burns between 5 and 11 years. No associations were observed with cognitive skills. Behaviour: At 3.5 years, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores and reported frequent temper tantrums predicted subsequent burns in primary school age. After adjustment for confounders, burns in the preschool period were related to gender and motor development, and in school-aged children, to frequent temper tantrums, hyperactivity and coordination difficulties.
Conclusion:
Child factors associated with increased risk of burns were male gender in infancy and female gender at school age, advanced gross motor development, coordination difficulties, hyperactivity and problems with emotional regulation.