Socio-clinical profile of burn patients: An experience from a tertiary care center in West Bengal

Burns are one of the leading causes of disability adjusted life years lost in low and middle income countries. The risk factors include gender, age, socio-economic conditions, occupational exposure, chronic disease, alcohol and smoking abuse, use of kerosene as fuel etc.

A descriptive observational study with cross sectional study design was conducted among burn patients admitted in burn units of IPGME&R, Sambhunath Pandit Hospital and M. R. Bangur Hospital of Kolkata during 2016.

It was seen that burn injuries were more prevalent in the age group "0–10" years (30%), females (60%), Hindus (78%) and people residing in rural areas (52.6%). More than 60% of the burn incidents had occurred either during morning or afternoon and the mostly in the kitchen (60.3%). Almost 95% of the cases were due to accidents. Bursting of kerosene stove (31%) emerged as the most prevalent cause of burn accidents. Anatomically Superior (65%) and inferior (67.9%) extremities were the most affected areas. The mean (±SD) TBSA affected by burn was 33.63 (13.43). On regression it was found that the total body surface area affected by burn was significantly associated with residence, marital status and socio-economic status of the study population.

Health and safety education need to be dispersed among people. Low cost safer alternatives should be developed and LPG use should be encouraged.