Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Burn injuries are one of the most severe forms of trauma that are the cause of many disabilities, morbidities and mortalities, in addition to the high costs of hospital care, and psychological and emotional problems. This study was carried out with the aim of determining the epidemiology and outcome of burn injuries in burnt patients in Guilan province.

Methods: In a study based on existing data, hospital records of all burn patients admitted in a specialized burn center in Guilan province from March 2008 to 2011, were reviewed. Data were analyzed including by chi-square test and t-test, and significance level was considered p<0.05.

Results: A total of 2274 patients’ hospital records, 1495 (65.7%) men and 779 women (34.3%) women, with a mean age of 31.47±22.67 years were reviewed. The mortality rate was estimated to be 8.7%. Significant factors associated with mortality included: Adulthood, illiteracy, unemployment, rural residence, low socioeconomic status, and percentage of burn. No significant statistical association was found between mortality and education, social status, and appropriate job. Also, most of the burns had occurred at home, and the most common cause of burn in adults was flame and in children was boiling water.

Conclusion: Considering the association of severity of complications of burn at home with low education and rural residence, it seems that public education for prevention of burns at home along with development of specialized multidisciplinary and centralized burn centers as effective actions are essential.