Profile of patients with burns according to seasonal changes

Abstract

Objective: In this study, the aim was to discuss the effects of seasonal changes on the patient profile and number of patients hospitalised at our burn centre. Method: All cases of burns that occurred between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2020 at our hospital were investigated. Results: In total, 1417 patients were investigated, 799 of whom were male (56.4%) and 618 (43.6%) were female. The number of patients with burns in the 1–4 years age group was the highest of all the age groups. Scald burns and electrical burns were mostly observed in the spring; flame burns were mostly observed in the winter, and hot object contact and chemical burns were mostly observed in the summer. When considered in total, burn cases were mostly observed in spring and autumn. Conclusion: Understanding seasonal epidemiology of burn injuries can facilitate seasonal injury prevention campaigns and education efforts. Burn centres can also allocate resources appropriately, according to the patient volume and possible burn outcomes for each season.