Abstract
Introduction: Burn injuries remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality with about
90% of burn related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Weak
surgical systems compounded by out-of- pocket payments contribute significantly to lack of
comparable outcomes with high income countries. Despite ongoing burn prevention initiatives,
pediatric burns remain a public health concern. The aim of this report is to quantify the current
burden of pediatric burns and identify potential areas for locally contextualized and
sustainable interventions targeted at reducing incidence and improving outcomes in low
resource settings.
Method: This is a retrospective review of the records of patients aged 15 years and below,
admitted into the Burn Ward from 2017 to 2022. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version
22 and results presented as texts, charts and tables.
Results: One hundred and seventy-five children (25.4% of all burns admissions) aged between
2 days and 15years were treated for burn injuries. There was a male preponderance with males
accounting for 59% and females 41%. Flame burns occurred in 111 (63.4%) and scald burns
in 61 (34.9%). The most common mechanism of injury (37.8%) involved refilling of kerosene
cooking stoves. The mortality rate was 32%. Burn severity, late presentation and out-of-pocket
payment contributed significantly to poor outcomes.
Conclusion: The commonest burn mechanism identified and late presentation indicates a need
for increased public health interventions towards increasing awareness, prevention and
treatment. Innovative healthcare funding mechanisms in LMIC should specifically include
burns treatment to improve access to care and overall outcome.