Epidemiological profile of minor and moderate burn victims at the University Hospital San José, Popayán, Colombia, 2000-2010

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the epidemiological profile of minor and moderate burn victims at the University Hospital San José, Popayán, Colombia, 2000-2010.

Methods: This study was retrospective description of minor and moderate burn victims admitted between 2000 and 2010 at the Burn Unit of University Hospital San José (UHSJ). The following variables were recorded and analyzed: age, gender, origin, social security, depth and extent of burn, days of hospitalization, causal agent and mortality. SPSS 19.0 was used. The level of significance was p<0.05.

Results: During 2000-2010, 845 patients were included. 61.7% were men. The average age was 17.9 years. Most of patients were from rural areas (80.4%). Most people belonged to the Subsidized Health Colombian System (85.3%). The most common causal agent was scalding liquids (49.7%). The most frequent depth was second degree burns (57.8%) and the average burned body surface was 20%. The average hospital stay was 20.4 days, and the median hospitalization time was 14 days. Mortality was 1.4%.

Conclusions: The findings of this study are the first to define the characteristics of burns in Popayán. This study is the basis for identifying preventative measures in the local health care system.