Management outcomes of burn injury among hospitalized under 18 children and associated factors in Abet Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Children are curious and as they start to move they tend to explore their world by touching and feeling. During this process, they may end up in various accidents and injuries. Burn injuries are one of the most common injuries a child can sustain. Children have a relatively thinner dermis therefore they would sustain severe forms of burn injuries. This study aims to determine the management outcomes of the admitted pediatric burn patients and associated factors. Objectives: The study aims to determine the management outcomes of the admitted pediatric burn patients and associated factors. Methods: The study was conducted at the burn unit of Addis Ababa Burn, Emergency, and Trauma center (AaBET) an affiliate institution of SPHMMC. A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 282 to assess the clinical profile and outcome of pediatric burn patients among all burn patients admitted to AaBET Hospital from September, 2016 G.C, from the establishment of the burn unit. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 26. Results: According to this study, the majority of burn patients (50.7%) were boys, and children under the age of five were the most impacted (62.4%) by burn injuries. Many of the burn victims (57.1%) were from the capital city, and scalding was found to be the leading cause of burn (71.6%). The most common degree of burn injury was discovered to be second-degree superficial burn (60%). Patients who received adequate fluid resuscitation within 24 hours were 2.7 times more likely to be discharged without complications and those who received antibiotics during their stay were 14 times more likely to be discharged without complications

Conclusion & recommendation: In conclusion, just half of the pediatric burn victims were discharged safely. The upper extremities were the most affected body parts. The parameters related with burn injury prognosis, according to this study, were a lack of fluid resuscitation and antibiotic use among burn patients. Scalds were discovered to be the most common cause of burn injuries in the pediatric population. This may be avoided if parents were made more informed. Awareness should include preventive as well as first aid methods such as using cold water, which can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. Documentation of burn victims should be improved, both on admission and throughout follow-up.