Factors in child burn and scald accidents in Bradford 1969-73

A study has been undertaken of burn and scald accidents to children in Bradford. In the first part, 1577 accidents treated in the Bradford Royal Infirmary between 1969 and 1973 were analysed by city ward of residence of the patient and these were correlated with 14 social and demographic characteristics of the wards. A correlation was found between burn and scald accidents and New Commonwealth immigrants and overcrowing. In the second part, 78 families at the burns clinic were interviewed. Similar patterns to those in the larger study were found. Although clinical impressions emerged concerning the details of the accidents the interviews did not provide any explanation for the main findings.