The Epidemiology of Burn Injuries in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

Evaluating Burn First Aid Knowledge, Practices, and Confidence Levels Among the General Population in Aseer, Saudi Arabia

Background and objectives Burns represents a significant public health issue globally and in Saudi Arabia, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. Prompt, evidence-based first aid improves outcomes. This study assessed burn first aid understanding, self-assurance, and information sources among Aseer Region residents. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to 386 individuals using a validated questionnaire, assessing understanding via a 10-item scale and confidence through Likert scales. Associations between variables were examined statistically. Results Most participants (85%; n=330) demonstrated poor first-aid comprehension, and only (1%; n=2) exhibited excellent knowledge. A history of burn exposure correlated with higher knowledge (p=0.039). The Internet was the primary information source (48%; n= 185). Confidence in assisting burn victims was generally low. Conclusions Significant gaps in foundational burn first aid knowledge were identified, necessitating targeted educational interventions disseminated via multiple modalities to strengthen emergency response and optimize outcomes in this region.

Knowledge and Practices of Public Related to Burns Management in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Burn injuries are a significant global health challenge, with physical and psychological consequences affecting 180 000 people annually. This study aimed to evaluate public knowledge and practices regarding burn management. This cross-sectional survey included 582 participants to assess their knowledge and practices related to burn management between January 2023 and May 2023. Non-healthcare participants in Al Ahsa city in Saudi Arabia were asked questions about demographic data on age, sex, education, and nationality, along with assessing knowledge of burn first aid, sources of information, awareness of burn degree, chemical burn management, personal burn exposure, and traditional treatments. Our study of 582 participants highlighted significant findings related to sex and educational levels in burn management knowledge and practice. Females were more likely to receive information about burn first aid (69.3%), with a preference for social media as their information source, while males favored official courses (31.3%). Males displayed higher self-perceived knowledge were more inclined to consider first-degree burns the most dangerous (44.7%) and were better informed about managing chemical burns (24.2%). Females reported higher burn exposure (72.5%) and were more likely to manage burns themselves (76.5%). Informed participants with prior knowledge exhibited a greater interest in learning more about burn first aid (97%) and were more knowledgeable about burn degree and chemical burn management. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring public health education to burn first aid based on sex and education level. Such targeted approaches can enhance population-level preparedness and reduce burn injuries' affect more effectively.

Epidemiology of chemical burns: An 11-year retrospective study of 126 patients at a referral burn centre in the north of Iran

The etiology and outcomes of chemical burns vary worldwide, influenced by the local population structure, industry distribution, and geographical and social environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of chemical burns among patients referred to a burn centre in the north of Iran. A single-centre, retrospective study was conducted on patients with chemical burns between 2011 and 2021. Data collection was carried out using the hospital information system (HIS), and data collected from medical records included gender, age, marital status, occupations, burn season, place of residence, intention to burn, location of the accident, percent of total body surface area (%TBSA), the primary cause of burns, the body region of the burn, length of hospital stay (days), infection, and discharge status. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods and SPSS 24.0 software. Of the 10 133 burn patients treated in a burn centre in the north of Iran between 2011 and 2021, 1.2% had chemical burns. The average age of patients was 34.45 (SD = 22.16) years, and most chemical burns cases were male (70.6%, n = 89). Chemical burns occurred most frequently in patients aged 20 to 49 years (69.8%, n = 107), and most of the burns were accidental (84.9%, n = 107). The home was the most common place of chemical burn injury, accounting for 49.2% (62 cases), followed by the workplace (43.7%, n = 55), respectively. Most chemical burns occurred in the summer season (36.5%, n = 46), and acid (74.6%, n = 94) was the most common cause of chemical burns. The mean TBSA was 16.41 (SD = 15.10). The most common burn area was the lower limb (34.9%, n = 44), and the overall mortality rate was 4.8%. The average length of stay in the hospital was 6.53 (SD = 5.57) days. Community education on household safety, restricting non-specialists' access to chemical substances, and the promotion of early consultation could reduce chemical burn prevalence and improve outcomes.

Assessing the Knowledge and Practices of Burn First Aid in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia

Background Burns are a prevalent type of injury that can result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Burn first aid knowledge is essential for reducing its complications and improving outcomes. However, evidence of the amount of burn first aid knowledge among the general population in many nations is sparse. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 346 persons over the age of 18 from the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia. The participants' knowledge of first aid for burns, including the appropriate steps to take in the event of a burn, the types of burns, and the proper application of burn dressings was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Results The majority of participants (73.6%) had inadequate knowledge of first aid for burns, while only 26.4% had adequate knowledge. The most common misconception among participants was the use of toothpaste, honey, or ice for burn treatment, which is not recommended. Additionally, hot water was the main cause of burning in this study. Conclusions This study underscores the necessity for targeted education and awareness-raising activities to improve the general population's knowledge and habits about first aid for burns. Such programs can be tailored to clarify myths and misunderstandings regarding burn treatment and encourage evidence-based strategies for preventing and treating burns.

Emergency Care for Burn Patients-A Single-Center Report

Burns, one of the main public health problems, lead to significant mortality and morbidity. Epidemiological studies regarding burn patients in Romania are scarce. The aim of this study is to identify the burn etiology, demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes in patients requiring treatment in a regional burn unit.

DESIGN

We performed a retrospective observational study of 2021.

PATIENTS

All patients admitted to our six-bed intensive care unit (ICU) were included.

INTERVENTIONS

The following data were collected for further analysis: demographics, burn pattern (etiology, size, depth, affected body region), type of ventilation, ABSI (Abbreviated Burn Severity Index) score, comorbidities, bioumoral parameters, and hospitalization days.

RESULTS

There were 93 burned patients included in our study that were divided into two groups: alive patients' group (63.4%) and deceased patients' group (36.6%). The mean age was 55.80 ± 17.16 (SD). There were 65.6% male patients, and 39.8% of the patients were admitted by transfer from another hospital. Further, 59 patients presented third-degree burns, from which 32.3% died. Burns affecting >37% of the total body surface area (TBSA) were noticed in 30 patients. The most vulnerable regions of the body were the trunk (p = 0.003), the legs (p = 0.004), the neck (p = 0.011), and the arms (p = 0.020). Inhalation injury was found in 60.2% of the patients. The risk of death in a patient with an ABSI score > 9 points was 72 times higher. Comorbidities were present in 44.1% of the patients. We observed a median LOS (length of stay) of 23 days and an ICU-LOS of 11 days. Logistic regression analysis showed that admission protein, creatinkinase, and leukocytes were independent risk factors for mortality. The general mortality rate was 36.6%.

CONCLUSION

A thermal factor was responsible for the vast majority of burns, 94.6% of cases being accidents. Extensive and full-thickness burns, burns affecting the arms, inhalation injuries, the need for mechanical ventilation, and a high ABSI score represent important risk factors for mortality. Considering the results, it appears that prompt correction of protein, creatinkinase, and leukocytes levels may contribute to improvement in severe burn patients' outcomes.

Community-level awareness of proper immediate steps regarding ocular chemical injury in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia

Background

Although the eyes represent 0.1% of the total human body, they are exposed to many injuries, some of which may cause blindness. Ocular chemical injury is a true ocular emergency requiring immediate assessment and initiation of treatment. The present study targeted the general population in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia, to evaluate knowledge of chemical injuries to the eye and the immediate management of the injury.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional design was employed using a convenience sample of 536 residents of the Jazan region who completed an online, self-administered, anonymous, and pre-validated questionnaire.

Results

Most of the respondents were 18-30 years of age (66.0%), and 274 (51.1%) were female. Respondents had an average score of 7.70 (standard deviation: 1.78) out of a total score of 16, indicating an overall lack of knowledge of ocular chemical burns. The majority (95.1%) agreed that ocular complications could result from ocular chemical injury. Regarding the first action in ocular chemical injuries, 317 (59.1%) thought that eye irrigation with a large amount of water, 155 (28.9%) chose to go to the emergency department, 40 (7.5%) chose irrigation of the eye with a small amount of water, 13 (2.4%) chose using eye drops, and 11 (2.1%) chose to cover the eye.

Conclusion

The knowledge of ocular chemical burns is lacking in the general population of the Jazan region. There are several knowledge gaps, some of which are serious, necessitating rigorous efforts to correct them through educational programs at the community level.

The Trend of Burn Injury Patients in Ningbo between 2012 and 2021: A Clinical Study

Objective

This study was designed to understand the local changes of burn injuries in recent 10 years, so as to provide reliable reference data and viewpoints for prevention and vigilance of local burn injuries.

Methods

In this study, 184 patients with a burn injury admitted to our hospital from 2012 to 2021 were enrolled and analyzed retrospectively. According to their information in the electronic database, the number of patients with burn injuries and the location of each disaster each year were analyzed, and the age, sex, hospital stay and hospitalization expense of each patient were collected. With 5 years as the boundary, the patients were divided into a 2012-2016 group and a 2017-2021 group and the differences of the two groups in the abovementioned aspects were compared.

Results

During 2012-2021, the incidence rate of burn injuries in men was higher than that in women and workplaces had a higher burn injury rate than residents' homes. Compared with the period of 2012-2016, the number of fires or explosions and the number of patients with a burn injury during 2017-2028 both increased, but there was no significant change in disaster location, male-female ratio, age, average hospital stay, and average hospitalization expense.

Conclusion

In the face of the increasing prevalence of burn injuries, we should strengthen fire-fighting knowledge-related education and fire prevention management and actively explore post-burn injury treatment strategies and potential treatment targets to promote the development of burn injury management and treatment strategies.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward First Aid Management of Skin Burns in Saudi Arabia

Background: Burns are considered a serious health affection that leads to several consequences affecting a person both physically and emotionally. Herbal and traditional medicine have become popular remedies among patients worldwide. Aim: This study explores common practices followed in burns as first aid management. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia using a designed questionnaire distributed electronically through different social media. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic details, history of burns, causative material, and practices followed in response to burns. Results: 461 individuals have participated in this study. The commonest reason for burns was hot water or steam. The majority of the respondents (63%) had a satisfactory response to self-aid alone at home. The most common first aid options for managing burns at home were cold water alone 195 (42%), any sort of cream alone 177 (38%), or both 317 (69%). Overall, the result shows no statistically significant difference between the outcome of burn injury and the most commonly used burn aids. Conclusions: Most people use creams and water as the first-aid management of burns, while a good number of people use traditional medicine. Overall, people who receive hospital treatment after getting first aid at home give a better outcome.

Mortality and survival analysis of burn patients admitted in a critical care burn unit, Saudi Arabia

Background

Burn injury is associated with a high mortality risk. Recent epidemiological data on burn injury and mortality rate from Saudi Arabia is lacking.

Objective:

This study aimed to analyze the survival rates and its predictability using the Baux score in patients with burn injury at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included all patients admitted to the burn unit at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al Khobar, between March 2014 and February 2020. Patients' burn characteristics and calculated revised Baux scores were collected. The age, burn wound size, type of burn, burn extension, and Baux score of the survivors and non-survivors were compared.

Results:

A total number of 102 patients were included, and their mean age was 24.2 years (range: 9 months to 78 years). The mean affected total body surface area was 26.4%. Ninety patients (88%) suffered from flame/scald burn. The mortality rate was 17.6% (18 patients); all these patients had flame burns. No patient with a revised Baux score ≥110 survived (n = 14; 77% of the total deaths), while there was no mortality at score <36. Inhalational injuries were reported in 18 patients, of which 13 (72%) died. Patients with patent airway and no inhalation injury were 19 times more likely to survive than those with a compromised airway (P < 0.001). In terms of the depth of burn, partial thickness increased the likeliness of survival by 10 times compared with full thickness (P < 0.003).

Conclusion:

Inhalational injury and burn size were the most prognostic factors of burn injury in this study. As all cases of mortality were from flame burns, regulation on flammable materials and safety measures should be promoted to the public.

Therapeutic Outcome of Burn Patients Treated With Hyperbaric Oxygen

Amongst various interventions for burns and inhalation injuries, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has recently been widely integrated as an adjunctive management of care due to its therapeutic properties in reducing tissue hypoxia, pathological inflammation, and augmenting neovascularization. However, the limitation of human clinical trials and data undermines its efficacy to be implemented as an adjunctive therapeutic modality in burns. The purpose of the literature review is to determine the efficacy of HBOT as an adjunct to standard management in burns. A review of the literature was done by searching PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for papers addressing the comparison of therapeutic outcomes between HBOT and non-HBOT in burns. Current research findings are conflicting, and the use of HBOT as an adjunct in burns management is still controversial. Therefore there is still a need for more data and research on the therapeutic benefits of HBOT in burn management.

Clinical, epidemiological, and management aspects of burn injuries in Saudi Arabia - A cross-sectional study

Background

Burns are a deleterious, but largely preventable health problem foisting physical, economic, social, emotional, and relational issues worldwide.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the King Khalid Hospital and Prince Sultan Center for Health Services, and Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University hospital in Al Kharj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study included patients who presented themselves to the emergency department of the targeted hospitals with at least one documented burn injury between October 2018 and October 2019. The patients were followed from presentation to discharge. The etiology, location, severity, and options of treatment offered to them were recorded. The SPSS version 22.0 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data as means, frequencies, and standard deviations. Categorical variables were compared using the Pearson's chi-square test.

Results

180 patients with burn injuries were included in the study. The majority were adolescents and adults under the age of 40 (n = 171). The prevalence of first-degree burns was 12.8%, that of second-degree burns was 71.1%, and that of third-degree burns was 16.1%. The most common cause, area, and type of treatment were hot water injuries (36.1%), upper limbs (62.2%), and skin debridement respectively.

Conclusion

Adolescents and young adults are the most frequently affected by burns while skin debridement was the most common treatment offered to the patients. In this context emergency hospital staff was required to be adequately equipped and trained.