Clinico-demographic profile of burns in the Middle-East and North-Africa (MENA) region: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Burn injuries remain a public health issue with risk of mortality and multiple post-burn morbidities. This article aims to systematically review and meta-analyse data about burns in the Middle-East and North-Africa (MENA) region. Methods Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Global Index Medicus, Cochrane Library and Google scholar data were searched from their dates of inception till April 2024. Results One hundred and one studies were included in this review, representing data from twelve countries in the region. Data was sub-grouped into two groups: pediatric group and emergency room (ER) group. The pooled random-effect estimates were male gender 58.6% [95% CI 56.9–60.2%], accidental injury 91.1% [95% CI 85.9–94.5%], scald burn 50% [95% CI 46.7–53.4%], at home injury 79.9% [95% CI 76.7–82.8%], upper limbs involvement 51.7% [95% CI 46.8–56.6%], mean body surface area burned (BSAB) 17.2% [95% CI 14.69–19.84%], second-degree burns 56.5% [95% CI 49–63.8%], length of stay 11.18 days [95% CI 9.68–12.68%] and mortality rate 9.1% [95% CI 7.5–11%]. All included studies were of good quality. Conclusion This review shows scarcity of studies from many countries in the MENA region. These data will inform policy makers and burn specialists about the extent of this public issue in the region.