Rencken CA, Allorto N, Harrison AD, McGarvey ST, Aluisio AR. Factors associated with adherence to follow-up care after burn injuries.
Burns 2020;
47:240-248. [PMID:
32718731 DOI:
10.1016/j.burns.2020.06.029]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
In South Africa, burns result in excessive morbidity which can be mitigated via follow-up treatments. This study evaluated factors associated with care retention for after burn injuries.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review was performed for twelve months of care at the public burn facility in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. All inpatients were eligible, although those who were transferred or died during care were excluded. The primary outcome was return for initial appointment one-week after discharge. The population was analyzed descriptively, and multivariable logistic regression was employed to yield adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
From 354 patients 310 were analyzed. Of these, 177 (57.47%) were children (<12 years). One third (33.12%) of patients were non-adherent to follow-up (n = 102). In multivariable analysis, children ≤12 years of age were more likely to follow up (aOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.07-3.25, p = 0.028), as were those who underwent an operation (aOR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.47-4.91, p = 0.001). Residing ≥50 km from the health center was associated with lower likelihood of follow up (aOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.93, p = 0.027).
CONCLUSION
High follow up attrition suggests the need for enhanced engagement in the high-risk burn population studied, and the identified factors could be leveraged in such programming.
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