BURNS ARE A PROBLEM WHICH CAN BE HANDLED IF MEDICAL FACILITIES ARE IN PLACE

The girl in the picture is fortunate to be alive after the experience when she got burnt after her mother left her in bed and the bed eventually caught fire. She is about 8 years now and has had her learning affected, but she iscapable of studying. Her Grand father in the picture Mr. Tenyigwa (+256 772 664151) stays with her at Sekiwunga (Kitende Parish) Wakiso district. Tenyigwa says that the child was first treated at Mulago Hospital and recently at Corsu Kisubi. Given the state in which the child was, it is clear that with good medical facilities, many complicated cases can be handled locally. Thanks to the doctors who saved the young girls life. PAEDIATRIC BURN INJURIES: A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY IN UGANDA M Nakitto*, R Lett Correspondence Injury control center – Uganda, Makerere Medical School, Mulago 256, Uganda Abstract Introduction Burns are one of the most devastating household injury. In Uganda, burn injuries account for 11% of all childhood injuries. The study objective was to determine demographic characteristics, severity, first aid treatment and outcomes of childhood burns in Uganda. Methods Secondary analysis of hospital surveillance data from five representative regional hospitals was done. Data were collected over 12 months (August 2004 to July 2005). Individuals (0–16 years) were included over a 12 months period. A registry form was filled by trained health workers at emergency units. Frequency analysis was done. Results 380 children were included with the central region registered more patients (44%). Five and under patients constituted 45%. Ratio of male to female was 1.3:1. Over 50% of patients had a serious injury. 88% of the children burned in their own homes in spite of a adult presence (83%). Majority of the children (54%) were burned while playing. 16% of burn injuries were reported intentional. Scalding by hot fluids (73%) was the common cause of burn injury. Over 50% of the patients were reported with serious injuries on upper extremities. Over 70% of children were given incorrect first aid treatment at home while others received none. 55.8% patients were discharged home by 2 weeks. Discussion and Conclusions Burn injuries mainly affects children 5 years and under. Home-based prevention can reduce burn injuries in that age group. The intent behind burn injuries requires further investigation.