Etiological And Demographic Profile Of Burn Injury In Kashmir Valley

Abstract

Background: Changing trends in etiology and demography of burn injury due to mechanization and modernization of society of Kashmir. Purpose: To evaluate the etiological and demographic profile of burn injury in Kashmir valley. Material and methods: A prospective study on 1000 consecutive patients admitted in the burn unit was conducted over a period of five years. A data collected after detailed history with regard to age, sex, residence, type, cause and place of burn, and a thorough general and systemic examination. Estimation of the burn surface area was done as per the Lund-Browder chart and the clinical assessment of the depth was carried out. Data collected was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of patients was 21.91±11.54 years. 79% patients were from rural and 21% from urban dwellings. Females (59%) were more commonly affected than males (41%). The most common type of burn were flame burn in 72% of cases followed by, scald in 22%. The most common place of burn was home 87% followed by workplace in 10% of cases, 87% of burn occurred accidently, 9% suicidal and 4% were homicidal in nature. Conclusion: We conclude that accidental flame burn injury is more common in Kashmiri rural young women who have more domestic involvement and spend most of time near fire.