Incidence of burns requiring hospitalization in Finland in 1980

In 1980 there were 1296 emergency hospitalizations for burn injuries in Finland, averaging 27 per 10(5) inhabitants. The incidence varied from 20 to 58 per 10(5) by central hospital district, 70% of the patients were men. The incidence was higher among men than women at all ages. High risk population groups were children aged 0-4 and men aged 80 years and over. The incidence was higher in rural than urban areas. That was true especially among the elderly, whereas the opposite was true among small children. Most (59%) of the burns were caused by hot substances. Open fire caused 16%. The treatment of burns accounted for a total of 23,327 hospital days. The average duration of the emergency hospital stay was 14.3 days. Causes of regional variation and high incidence among old men require further research. The establishment of burn units in high risk areas should be considered.