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East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 19, No. 3, 2015, pp. 12-21
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Bioline Code: js14050
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2015, pp. 12-21
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Epidemiology of Burns in Patients Aged 0 – 13 Years at a Paediatric Hospital in Kenya.
Mutiso, V.M.; Khainga, S.O.; Muoki, A.S. & Kimeu, M.M.
Abstract
Background: Burns are a common and significant cause of admission following injury in
children.
Methods: This was a retrospective hospital based multivariate survey conducted on burns
patients aged 0 to 13 years over a five year period 2003 to 2007. It was conducted at a
paediatric hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. During this period there were 1,052 patients
admitted due to injury of which 202 (19.2%) had suffered a burns injury. Epidemiological
data from the 202 patients was collected and analyzed.
Results: The age range was 5 months to 13 years. The mean age was 3.4 years. 84.6% were
in the age group 0 – 5 years. Males made up 59.7% giving a male to female ratio was 1.65:1.
The main cause of burns was scalds with hot fluids accounting for 84.2%. Of the scalds, 175
(87.1%) took place at home. Unintentional burns accounted for the majority at 198
(98.5%).
The majority of the patients [124, n= 176, 70.5%] had burns of Total Burnt Surface Area of
less than 10%.
Conclusion: Our results were similar to other studies in literature especially from
developing countries for burns in the paediatric age group. Prevention is the key.
Keywords
epidemiology; burns; pediatric; children; hospital
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