Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1 Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
2 Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Hazrat-e-Zeinab Nursing and Midwifery, Yasouj University of Medical Sciences, Yasouj, IR Iran
3 Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Community Based Mental Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
Abstract
Background: Burns are among the most prevalent mortality causes in developing countries, particularly Iran. In addition to large treatment expenses, burn victims suffer from long-term physical and psychological injuries.
Objectives: This study intends to recognize the epidemiologic factors, causes and outcome of burns among hospitalized women in the Burn Wards of Ghotbeddin Hospital in Shiraz, Iran.
Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out for a period of 2.5 years. The population consisted of all women hospitalized in the Burn Wards of Ghotbeddin Hospital from March 2009 until September 2011. Patients' information was entered in a checklist using old records and documents after which the collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 15.
Results: A total of 619 women were hospitalized over a 2.5 year period due to burns. Their mean age was 25.78 ± 17 years with a range of 3 months to 103 years. Approximately half of the burns (45.4%) occurred at home, most of which (35.0%) occurred during the spring season. Kerosene was the most prevalent cause of burns (30.0%). Of these, 210 (33.92%) women were referred due to self-immolation; familial disputes were the main cause (46.6%) for these referrals. There were 232 (37.48%) cases whose deaths were attributed to burns and its complications during this period.
Conclusions: Annually, many women have been admitted and treated in burn hospitals, which result in tremendous financial expenses, physical deformities, psychological disabilities and mortality. Therefore, public education of burn prevention measures seems to be necessary.
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