Epidemiology and care of burns in rural Rwanda: A prospective cohort study

Burns are the fourth most common type of injury presenting to emergency departments in Rwanda; however, research related to the epidemiology of burn injuries is limited. The objectives of this study were to investigate the epidemiology and treatment of burns in a rural region of Rwanda to better inform local public health initiatives.

Data collection took place at Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital in the Western Province of Rwanda from July 2023 to November 2024. Patients enrolled in the study included all burn patients who presented to the hospital during the study period. Data were collected through patient interviews and electronic medical records using a standardized form.

Eighty burn patients presented to the hospital during the study period. Children most often presented with burn injuries, with 70 % (n = 56) of the study population being 0-15 years old. Scald was the most common type of burn (n = 60, 75 %). Burns were mostly related to cooking activities (n = 60, 75 %). Traditional medicine was used as first aid in 57.5 % (n = 46) of the cases. Time from injury to treatment was > 24 h in 32.5 % (n = 26) of the patients. Complications were common at 43.8 % (n = 35), with the most frequent type being burn wound infection (n = 30, 37.5 %). All patients survived their burn injuries.

Prevention efforts should prioritize reaching children and their caregivers while highlighting kitchen safety and the dangers of hot liquids that can cause scald burn injuries. Burn wound infection prevention is also a priority for education.