Epidemiologic investigation of burn patients in Sichuan Province

Abstract

ObjectiveWe performed an epidemiological investigation of patients with burns in Sichuan Province, China to determine burn epidemiology trends and re-evaluate burn prevention programmes. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients admitted to the Burn Centre of West China Hospital during 2011–2016. We collected information of patient demographics, burn aetiology, burn extent, place of injury, outcome, education level, and burn knowledge of patients. ResultsA total of 1323 patients (1033 males and 290 females), mean age 35.4years (range 10days to 91years), were admitted to our burn centre. Among patients, 214 were children aged 0–14years, 998 were adults aged 15–59years, and 111 were elderly adults over age 60years. Scalds were the predominant cause of paediatric burns; however, flame burns were most common among adults and elderly patients. The injury location varied by age, with most burns occurring at work among adults; however, most injuries occurred at home among children and elderly patients. The kitchen was the most common location of burn accidents at home for all three age groups. On the whole, mild and moderate burns were predominant in all three groups. Educational levels were lower among adults from rural areas than those from urban areas, but both groups had little first aid knowledge. Furthermore, rural patients had received less vocational education and training than urban ones. ConclusionsThere has been a decrease in burn incidence in Sichuan Province, especially among children. Flame injury should be a focus of attention in all age groups. Prevention programmes for adults in the workplace are imperative and must include improved working conditions, compulsory vocational education, and burn prevention education, especially for rural populations. Such burn prevention programmes should continue to improve living conditions for residents of the province, especially elderly adults.