GENERAL EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BURN RELATED INJURIES

Abstract

Burn related injuries represent a significant global health problem. These injuries can be cause of high mortality and morbidity throughout the world, as well as different kinds of disabilities. More than 180,000 people die from burn injuries every year. Injuries related to burns can seriously affect patients’ quality of life. These injuries can also lead to serious psychological disorders. Despite the fact that injuries associated with burns are more common in developing countries, especially among the population with low socioeconomic status, burn injuries are widespread in the developed and high-income countries as well. The types and causes of burn injuries are correlated with age, gender, established safety standards, education levels as well as traditional customs. The habits and typical traditions established among different populations, reflect on the causation and types of burns which are widespread in that country or region. The studies conducted in different countries indicate that children are mostly exposed to the risk of getting burn injuries throughout the world. Unintentional burn injuries are one of the leading causes for childhood deaths. Due to these injuries, more than 100,000 children are hospitalized every year in the world. Hot liquid scalds are most frequent causes of pediatric burn injuries. Burn injuries can be preventable, therefore more epidemiological researches need to be conducted about this issue in order to plan preventive measures.