Other Titles
Clinical and Demographic Profiles of Pediatric Burn Patients: A Descriptive Retrospective Analysis in Ghana [Title Slide]
Abstract
Introduction: Burn injuries are a leading cause of preventable mortality and disability among children, with approximately 96,000 pediatric cases globally each year (Asefa et al., 2024). In low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, children account for nearly 90% of burn cases, with those under five being most vulnerable due to developmental factors, lack of supervision, and domestic hazards. Socioeconomic challenges such as overcrowded living conditions and inadequate safety measures exacerbate the risk (Mok et al., 2023). Burns are primarily caused by scalds from hot liquids, contact burns, and flame injuries linked to unsafe cooking practices and improper storage of flammable substances (Huo et al., 2024; Rockson et al., 2024). Survivors often face long-term consequences, including disfigurement, contractures, and social stigmatization, creating significant burdens on families and healthcare systems (Bushen et al., 2024).
Pediatric burn injuries are a critical public health issue in Ghana, with an estimated incidence rate of 63 per 1,000 children annually (Mehta et al., 2021). Despite the significant burden, limited research exists on clinical and demographic profiles of affected patients. This study examined the profiles of pediatric burn patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, to identify causes, severity, and outcomes, aiming to inform targeted prevention strategies.
Study Design and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using medical records of children treated for burn injuries from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. Data collected included age, sex, cause of injury, total body surface area affected, and hospital stay. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to examine associations between variables.
Results: Among 147 pediatric burn admissions, most patients were aged 1–3 years, with males accounting for 54.4%. Severe burns were observed in 95.9% of cases, with 24.5% involving burns covering 25–30% of TBSA. Scald injuries were the predominant cause. Hospital stays varied, with 49.6% staying over 10 days, with an average of 19 days.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of severe burns and extended hospital stays highlight the need for specialized burn care resources in Ghana. Prevention strategies addressing domestic hazards and enhanced safety education are critical to reducing the burden of pediatric burns.
Notes
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Chi Omicron
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Descriptive/Correlational
Research Approach
Mixed/Multi Method Research
Keywords:
Acute Care, Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, Policy and Advocacy, Promoting Clinical Outcomes, Burn Injuries, Pediatric Burn Patients, Ghana
Recommended Citation
Osei Berchie, Gifty; Abraham, Susanna Aba; Okantey, Christiana; and Anumel, Benjamin Kofi, "Clinical and Demographic Profiles of Pediatric Burn Patients: A Descriptive Retrospective Analysis" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 119.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/119
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-11-27
Clinical and Demographic Profiles of Pediatric Burn Patients: A Descriptive Retrospective Analysis
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Introduction: Burn injuries are a leading cause of preventable mortality and disability among children, with approximately 96,000 pediatric cases globally each year (Asefa et al., 2024). In low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, children account for nearly 90% of burn cases, with those under five being most vulnerable due to developmental factors, lack of supervision, and domestic hazards. Socioeconomic challenges such as overcrowded living conditions and inadequate safety measures exacerbate the risk (Mok et al., 2023). Burns are primarily caused by scalds from hot liquids, contact burns, and flame injuries linked to unsafe cooking practices and improper storage of flammable substances (Huo et al., 2024; Rockson et al., 2024). Survivors often face long-term consequences, including disfigurement, contractures, and social stigmatization, creating significant burdens on families and healthcare systems (Bushen et al., 2024).
Pediatric burn injuries are a critical public health issue in Ghana, with an estimated incidence rate of 63 per 1,000 children annually (Mehta et al., 2021). Despite the significant burden, limited research exists on clinical and demographic profiles of affected patients. This study examined the profiles of pediatric burn patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, to identify causes, severity, and outcomes, aiming to inform targeted prevention strategies.
Study Design and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using medical records of children treated for burn injuries from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. Data collected included age, sex, cause of injury, total body surface area affected, and hospital stay. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to examine associations between variables.
Results: Among 147 pediatric burn admissions, most patients were aged 1–3 years, with males accounting for 54.4%. Severe burns were observed in 95.9% of cases, with 24.5% involving burns covering 25–30% of TBSA. Scald injuries were the predominant cause. Hospital stays varied, with 49.6% staying over 10 days, with an average of 19 days.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of severe burns and extended hospital stays highlight the need for specialized burn care resources in Ghana. Prevention strategies addressing domestic hazards and enhanced safety education are critical to reducing the burden of pediatric burns.
Description
Pediatric burn injuries are a significant public health issue in Ghana, with children under five most affected. This study analyzed 147 cases at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, revealing scalds as the leading cause and 95.9% involving severe burns (>10% TBSA). The average hospital stay was 19 days. Findings highlight the need for specialized burn care and prevention strategies to reduce domestic hazards and improve safety education.