PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF BURNS AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY-TEACHING HOSPITAL IN BUSHENYI DISTRICT, WESTERN UGANDA

ABSTRACT

Burns continue to be a public health concern in the developing world especially in African countries, sub-Saharan Africa inclusive. It contributes to 11% mortality, being the second cause of trauma after road traffic accidents in Uganda.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compile a report regarding the prevalence and associated factors of burns among patients attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Ishaka, Bushenyi district.

Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was used, conducted at KIU-TH located in Ishaka, Bushenyi district. The data was collected using both open and closed ended data collection tool. The sample size was determined by fisher’s formula and focused on patients who seek for health care in KIU-TH. The results were analyzed and checked manually for consistence, validity and completeness.

Results: The prevalence of burns was 10%, host factors included; gender(females 67%, males 33%), age(children 81%), low education(60%), and underlying diseases(20%). The socio-environmental factors included; overcrowding(47%), occupation(54%), ignorance (60%), poor housing(50%) and negligence(30%).

Discussion and Conclusion: The prevalence was 10% in the population in agreement with (Nakitto & Lett, 2010), whose prevalence was 11% in Uganda. The host and socio-environmental factors were gender, age, education, diseases, overcrowding, risky occupation, housing, ignorance and negligence, in agreement with(Delgado et al., 2012). However, the host factors were majority leading to burns followed by the socio-environmental factors.

Recommendations: These target the hospital and the community through health education, avoiding overcrowding, improved proper housing, installation of fire extinguishers in all public places and life style change a responsibility of local council committees, churches, families and VHTs in a PHC programme.