Socio-Demographic Factors which Significantly Relate to the Prediction of Burns Severity in Children

Background: Burns are considered one of the biggest wounds and the most devastating injuries humans can receive as they have prolonged consequences which are not only physical, but psychological in addition to the cost of treatment. The aim of the study was to explore the relationships between socio-demographic factors (SDF) and the incidence and mechanisms of burn injuries in children. The objectives were to identify the multiple and various factors responsible for the occurrence of significant burns in children; to explore and investigate the relationship between these factors; to critically analyse SDF on the incidence and mechanisms of burns and to develop a contextual model with a view to informing future health care policy and health promotion programmes. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed in a UK Paediatric Burn Centre in the West Midlands. The research process followed the requirements for obtaining a PhD degree. The quantitative arm of this study consisted of a postal questionnaire sent to 228 parents and guardians who had visited the Burns Centre with a child during a one-year period (1st May 2011 to 30th April 2012). For the purpose of coding and analysis, a Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version-19-was used. Results: 160 completed questionnaires were returned and analysed. Several key SDF were identified that linked to an increase in the incidence of burns in children. Burn injuries was significantly higher in children ? 5 years old (P