Role of Apparels in Burns due to Domestic Violence – A tool for assessing Degree of Burns

Abstract

Background: Human life is subject to certain environmental, cultural and ethnic origin factors. Based upon the above facts loose and tight variety of clothing/apparel are commonly used. Fire and flames are an integral part of human life on the other hand and accidents do occur in natural course of history. In such accidents type of apparel one might be wearing play a great role in degree or severity of burns. Association and assessments need to be established in this regard. Methods: The study has been conducted on 250 cases of dry flame burns in AED of Mayo Hospital Lahore/Medicolegal Clinic of King Edward Medical University Lahore for a period of nine months in 2017-18. The population of 250 cases were selected through convenient non-probability purposive sampling technique. The study descriptive cross-sectional study design was applied to the above population selected for the study. Results: Our study revealed1.6% females were involved more than males in the burn incident during the period of study. A wide majority up to 70% used Shalwar and Kameez of loose wearable category as per culture of the country in comparison to the relatively tight clothing of Trousers and Pantaloons variety. A grossly significant role has been established with a p value of 0.024 that loose variety of apparel are responsible for causing greater degree of damage in burns as compared to that of tight variety of apparel worn at the time of incidence. Conclusion: The study concludes that wearing relatively short apparels or of tight i.e. Trousers and Pantaloons variety can be safe, protective and a healthy habit during cooking, working in fire burning vicinity like that of industry, hotels, restaurants and winter outdoor activities. The loose variety hereafter referred as Shalwarand Kameezvariety of cultural apparels can be dangerous and even life threatening when it involves higher percentages of burns. Keywords: Burns, Apparel, Clothing, Degree of Burns

Association of Incidences of Burns and Place of Occurrence - Investigative Approach among Victims of Domestic Violence

“…Electrocution was least common and chemical burns were reported to be rare. The study revealed that single or unmarried population was more prone to domestic violence as compared to that of married couples with 0.004 grossly significant p value 30,31 . The gender involvement was revealed to be insignificant with p value 0.066 in current study 31 .…”

“…Probably the work place was most secured zone or due to the fear of interference by colleagues or general public had restrained the abuser to make it a place of choice to go for crime. Instead the study revealed commonest setting was home for the purpose 29,30 .…”

“…It also provides ample opportunity for choosing hot liquids or dry flame of the stove etc. for meeting the perpetrator's objective to make the victim suffer through the domestic burns 30 . Electrocution was least common and chemical burns were reported to be rare.…”