Epidemiology and outcome of burns in Esteqlal Hospital of Kabul, Afghanistan

IntroductionBurns are a major public health issue in Afghanistan, at least in terms of morbidity and long term disability. Little data exists to document the extent of the problem. This study reports the epidemiology and outcome of burns seen in Esteqlal Hospital of Kabul, a regional referral and teaching hospital run jointly by the Afghan Ministry of Public Health and the Italian Cooperation. It furthermore aims to investigate the underlying conditions which lead to this dramatically widespread event in order to develop effective burn prevention programmes.MethodsA total of 532 patients admitted for burns between March 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008 in Esteqlal Hospital were studied retrospectively through the review of medical records.ResultsMale to female ratio was 0.7:1 and the median age at presentation was 19 years. The mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 36.5%. Overall mortality rate was 28% with a prevalence of death among females (68%). The most common cause of burn was flame (46.2%), followed by gas cylinder explosion (36.4%). Self-immolation was reported in 21 patients, 76% of whom resulted in death.ConclusionA large number of burn injuries occur in domestic settings and are preventable. Strategies might include implementation of educational programs through mass communications and development of policies for the commerce of unadulterated petroleum products. Other goals such as disability prevention and mortality reduction might be achieved building burns centres and training healthcare professionals working at the peripheral level.