Accidental burns in children under five years of age: The gendered burden of care and socio-economic deprivation

• Nature and extent of accidental burn injuries in children under five years of age
• Structural factors contributing to burn injuries in children
• Vulnerability of children in low and middle income countries
• Gendered burden of care and women's increased responsibilities
• Prevention of accidental burn injuries

This qualitative study focused on the factors that contribute to burn injuries in children under five years of age admitted into R. K. Khan Hospital, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. A triangulated approach, including 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews with mothers of the children, analysis of children's medical records, and home visits to observe the living circumstances of the participants, was used to strengthen the study and ensure its trustworthiness. The study highlights the influence of intersecting social criteria such as race, class and gender that contribute to hazardous environmental conditions, gendered burdens of care, and socio-economic deprivation that constitute important underlying structural factors predisposing children to burn injuries.