Epidemiology of Burn Injury in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate burns, from any situation, and the treatment in the Burn Center of Yala Hospital.
Material and Methods: This research was a retrospective study in the Burn Center of Yala Hospital; from April 1, 2019 to May 31, 2021.
Results: Enrollment consisted of 161 burn patients (male 65.8%, female 34.2%). Most burns in children were scalds (67.3%); whereas, in adults and the elderly they were flame burns (51.0% in adults and 66.7% in the elderly) (p-value<0.001), which were usually <20% of total body surface area (p-value<0.001). Most burns were superficial second degree burns. Patients in all age groups required surgical intervention (p-value=0.003). The median length of hospital stay was approximately seven days (IQR4-17); however, the elderly required intensive care more often than other age groups (p-value=0.003). All enrolled cases survived.
Conclusion: The most common cause of burns in adults and the elderly was burning from flames, while burns from scalds occurred most in children. Burns in the elderly were more severe, and required admission to the intensive care unit more than any other age group.