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Childhood burns in Zaria, Nigeria
O A Mabogunje1, M S Khwaja, J H Lawrie
1Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.
Insights
Pediatric burn injuries in Zaria were frequent, particularly among young children, with socioeconomic factors and environmental conditions playing a significant role. High mortality rates, especially in neonates, underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Burn injuries represent a significant cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality in developing regions.
- Understanding the specific etiological factors and demographic patterns of pediatric burns is crucial for effective prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, causes, and outcomes of pediatric burn injuries admitted to Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria between 1971 and 1980.
- To identify socioeconomic and environmental risk factors contributing to these injuries.
- To evaluate the complications and mortality rates associated with pediatric burns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 429 pediatric burn admissions over a 10-year period.
- Data collection included patient demographics, burn severity, etiology, seasonal variations, and treatment setting.
- Analysis of complications, mortality, and contributing socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- A total of 429 children were admitted with burns; 275 had major burns.
- Flame burns were more common than scalds, with a peak incidence during the harmattan season.
- Mortality was 13% overall, but 29% for neonates; common complications included wound infection and respiratory distress.
Conclusions:
- Socioeconomic factors such as ground-level cooking fires, indigenous garments, and traditional practices contribute significantly to pediatric burn injuries.
- The lack of specialized burn units and the management of burns in general wards present challenges.
- Preventive strategies must address public awareness, childcare supervision, economic development, and housing improvements.
Abstract:
From 1971 to 1980, 429 children with burn injuries were admitted to the Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria. These were major burns in 275 patients, moderate in 82 and minor in 72. Fourteen of the patients were neonates, 102 infants, 228 were 5 years old or younger and 85 were older. Socioeconomic factors contributing to the injuries included the use of firewood for cooking at ground-level and for warming the house and body during the cold season; loose indigenous garments; thatch-roofed huts and the post-partum rituals of mud-bed heating and hot baths. Flame burns exceeded scalds with a seasonal frequency which peaked during the harmattan. In the absence of a 'burn's unit', burned children were nursed on the general ward together with other sick children by the same nursing personnel supervised by general surgeons. Complications included wound infection, respiratory distress, measles, malnutrition and tetanus. One-fifth of the patients absconded. Overall mortality was 13 per cent but 29 per cent of the neonates died. Preventive strategy should include public information, nursery school supervision, economic development and architectural improvements.