Epidemiology and Severity of Burns in Children: A Study in Ilam (2015-2019).

Introduction: Burn injuries represent a prevalent concern among children, often resulting in irreversible complications. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and severity of burns in children under 12 years of age admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam from 2015 to 2019. Material & Methods: This retrospective descriptive study examined the medical records of 150 children under 12 years old admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam with burn injuries between 2015 and 2019. Data were collected through chart reviews and interviews with the patients' families, and analyzed using SPSS v-19. Results: The majority of burn cases occurred in children under three years old (61.3%, 92 individuals), with more than half being boys (55.3%, 83 individuals). Second-degree burns accounted for 87.3% (131 individuals) of cases, with approximately 80% (120 individuals) involving burns covering 1-20% of the body surface area. Hot liquids were the leading cause of burns (79.9%, 119 individuals), and 84% (126 individuals) of burns occurred in enclosed spaces. Only 18.7% (122 individuals) of cases required hospitalization, with no fatalities reported. Conclusion: Preventive measures targeting young children, particularly those under three years old, and boys, given their active nature, are crucial in reducing burn incidents. Additionally, addressing factors such as the availability of combustible materials, particularly hot liquids, through educational programs can significantly contribute to burn prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]