Citation

Taoi M, Wainiqolo I, Kafoa B, Kool B, Naisaki A, McCaig E, Ameratunga SN. Burns 2012; 38(5): 758-762.

Affiliation

Research Unit, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.burns.2011.11.005

PMID

22342176

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Over 95% of burn deaths are estimated to occur in low-and-middle-income countries. However, the epidemiology of burn-related injuries in Pacific Island Countries is unclear. This study investigated the incidence and demographic characteristics associated with fatal and hospitalised burns in Fiji. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilised the Fiji Injury Surveillance in Hospital database to estimate the population-based incidence and contextual characteristics associated with burns resulting in death or hospital admission (≥12h) during a 12-month period commencing 1st October 2005. RESULTS: 116 people were admitted to hospital or died as a result of burns during the study period accounting for an overall annual incidence of 17.8/100,000 population, and mortality rate of 3.4/100,000. Most (92.2%) burns occurred at home, and 85.3% were recorded as unintentional. Burns were disproportionately higher among Fijian children compared with Fijian-Indian children with the converse occurring in adulthood. In adults, Indian women were at particularly high risk of death from self-inflicted burns as a consequence of 'conflict situations'. CONCLUSION: Burns are a significant public health burden in Fiji requiring prevention and management strategies informed by important differences in the context of these injuries among the major ethic groups of the country.

Language: en