Pediatric burns in low-income countries: An example from Somalia

Epidemiological data are needed to develop pediatric burn prevention strategies and guide interventions in low-and middle-income countries.

In this observational retrospective study, the characteristics of 140 consecutive pediatric patients who were hospitalized and treated for burns at the Burns Unit of a hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, between November 2022 and April 2024 were analyzed.

The patients included 50% males and 50% females, with a mean age of 4.96+-4.07 years. The most common burn etiologies were hot water (75.7%), open flame (15.7%), and hot oil (8.6%). Burns involving two or more anatomical regions were observed in 44.2% of the cases. The mean total body surface area (TBSA) affected was 16.2+-10.42% (min: 4%, max: 90%). Superficial second-degree burns were present in 50.7% of the patients, and deep second-degree burns in 28.6%. No statistically significant relationship was found between gender and burn degree, burn percentage, or burn etiology (p>0.05). Analysis by age group revealed a statistically significant but weak association (24%) between the 0-4 years age group and burn degree. This was attributed to a higher proportion of more severe burns in children aged 0-4 years compared to those aged 5 years and older. The most common complication was anemia (37.1%), and no mortality was observed. The average hospital stay was 24.1+-27.8 days (range: 2-179 days).

This study presents the first epidemiological data on in-patient pediatric burn cases in Somalia, a country classified as low-income. The risk of mortality can be eliminated if effective burn management is provided in pediatric burn cases, even in low-resource countries. These findings support the expectation of survival in major pediatric burns. Nurses and all healthcare professionals share responsibility for the protection and promotion of health. Therefore, training on burn injury prevention strategies should be targeted and implemented in areas where the incidence is high.