1Associate Professor, Dept of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College &Research Institute, Pondicherry
2Professor and Head, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Jorhat Medical College & Hospital, Assam
3Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute Pondicherry
4Professor and Head, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Pondicherry
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Dhritiman Nath Associate Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Pondicherry, Email: dhritimannath06@gmail.com, Mobile: 8903733042/9047333041
Online published on 19 January, 2018.
Burn injuries are a major public health concern with more than 3, 00, 000 deaths occurring every year globally. In India, 1, 63, 000 to 2, 00, 000 burn deaths are reported every year. Considering the enormity of the problem, we undertook this study so that the risk factors and population at risk could be identified in and around the city of Guwahati, Assam.
The prospective study was done in the Mortuary of Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Assam. A total of 91 cases of flame burns were collected for the period from 1st June 2006 to 31st May 2007. The victims were studied for age, sex, nature of incidence, educational background, occupational status, marital status, socio economic status, location of incidence, etiology, time of incidence, day and month wise distribution of incidence, seasonal variations and pregnancy history. Burns due to other causes (chemical, electricity, lightning etc) were excluded.
Majority of the victims were females (78.91%). Incidence of accidental burns was more common (70.34%). Most of the victims were educated upto high school (46.16%) and actively involved in household chores (58.24%). Married people were more commonly affected (64.84%). Most of the victims were from the low income group (52.74%) and belonged to urban areas (48.87%). Widespread use of kerosene appliances resulted in most deaths (37.36%). Most common time of incidence was from 6PM to 12 midnight (54.89%). A majority of the cases were reported on Sundays (18.05%). Most of the cases occurred in winter (33.08%). A majority of the victims were not pregnant at the time of incidence (90.65%).
Hindu married, non-pregnant women of low income group living in urban areas, having low formal education and actively involved in domestic chores, are most susceptible to burns. Preventive strategies include minimizing the risk factors by proper interventions and raising awareness among the public by conducting educational programmes.
Flame, burns, autopsy
