@article{ref1,
title="Burns in Sierra Leone: a population-based assessment",
journal="Burns: journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries",
year="2014",
author="Wong, Evan G. and Groen, Reinou S. and Kamara, Thaim B. and Stewart, Kerry-Ann and Cassidy, Laura D. and Samai, Mohamed and Kushner, Adam L. and Wren, Sherry M.",
volume="40",
number="8",
pages="1748-1753",
abstract="PURPOSE: Burns remain disproportionately prevalent in developing countries. This study aims to describe the epidemiology of burns in Sierra Leone to serve as a baseline for future programs. <br><br>METHODS: A cluster randomized, cross-sectional, countrywide survey was conducted in 2012 in Sierra Leone. With a standardized questionnaire demographics and deaths during the previous 12 months of household members were assessed with the household representative. Thereafter, 2 randomly selected household members were interviewed, elucidating whether participants had ever had a burn in six body regions and determining burn mechanisms and patterns of health care seeking behavior. <br><br>RESULTS: This study included 1843 households and 3645 individuals. 3.98% (145/3645) of individuals reported at least one burn-injury. The highest proportions of burns were reported in the age groups 0-4 years old (23/426, 5.4%) and 5-14 years old (37/887, 4.17%). The majority of burns (129/145, 89.0%) were caused by a hot liquid/object and the upper, extremities were the most commonly burned body regions, with 36% (53/145) of cases. 21% (30/145) of individuals with burns sought care from a traditional healer. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Burns are highly prevalent in Sierra Leone. Further research and resources should be allocated to the care and prevention of thermal injuries.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0305-4179",
doi="10.1016/j.burns.2014.03.007",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2014.03.007"
}