Investigating the Six-Month Incidence Rate of Burn Disease in Children in Greece

Abstract

Introduction Burns in children are painful, can be fatal, and involve a significant risk of complications, along with physical and psychological consequences. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of burns in children, for six months, and the most common causative factors, along with the existing correlations between demographic data and the characteristics of burn injuries. Methods The study was descriptive and prospective, and the sample consisted of minors up to 14 years old with burns in any areas of the body. The research was carried out in the Attica pediatric hospitals' selected departments for six months (from July to December 2018). Sources for completing the created database were the patients, their guardians, and their medical-nursing documentation and records. Results The cumulative six-month incidence rate of childhood burn disease was 4.9%. The most affected age group appeared to be younger than two years (60%), while liquid heat appeared to be the primary form of the burn factor (76%). The average duration of hospitalization for children with a deep partial-thickness to a totalthickness burn degree was 16.5 days. The correlations that emerged related to the extent of the burn were directly related to the accident's site, and patients with an increased likelihood of future additional surgeries had an increased mean total body surface area that was burned. Conclusion Continuous surveillance and removal of hazardous materials from the home environment is of utmost need. Early education/understanding of correct behaviors and proper attention to outdoor activities or excursions can significantly reduce burns. Training courses on burn prevention for parents are needed, as the best form of treatment is prevention.

Epidemiology Of Thermal Hand Injury In Children And Youths In Russia And Abroad

“…The limitations of our research are represented by the differences in design, sample size, age of enrolled patients, and duration of epidemiological studies conducted in different countries and regions worldwide. For instance, a study of the incidence of THI in children and adolescents in Greece was performed with the inclusion of 25 people and a short observation period of 6 months [25]; whereas a larger study in England [26] included children and youths along with the adults, but without isolating children and adolescents into a separate group when analyzing the incidence of THI. Therefore, we excluded such epidemiological studies from subsequent statistical processing, even though they were of clinical interest.…”

“…The search brought up 7 epidemiological studies for European Countries: one in Spain [20]; two in the Republic of Belarus [21,22]; and 2 in Turkey [23,24]. We excluded two studies from further statistical analysis: one performed in Greece [25] with a small sample of 25 people and a short follow-up period of 6 months and another conducted in England [26] long ago (in 1984) and without specifying THI in children and adolescents. However, these two studies are of clinical and historical interest and will be reviewed in the Discussion section.…”

Children and Parents’ Awareness Regarding Potential Hazards Derived from the Use of Chemical Products in Greece

“…Developmental exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can contribute to pediatric liver injury [ 38 ]. The cumulative six-month incidence rate of childhood burn disease, chemical burns included, is 5% [ 39 ].Lead and mercury exposure remain a threat to optimal health for children [ 40 , 41 ]. References also exist that correlate chemical exposure with obesity in Greece [ 27 ].…”