Prevalence and age-specific incidence of burns in Ghanaian children

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Periodical article

Title:	Prevalence and age-specific incidence of burns in Ghanaian children
Authors:	Forjuoh, Samuel N. Keyl, Penelope M. Diener-West, Marie
Year:	1995
Periodical:	Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
Volume:	41
Issue:	5
Pages:	273-277
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	children accidents
External link:	http://tropej.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/41/5/273
Abstract:	This study determines the prevalence and age-specific incidence of burns in children 0-5 years old in the Ashanti region of Ghana using burn scars as proxy. A community-based, multisite survey was used to identify children who had scars as evidence of previous burns. Data were gathered over a 6-month period in 1992. A scar prevalence of 6 percent was found. No sex differences were found. However, significant differences were found among age groups, with children aged 18-23 months having the highest incidence (57.4 per 1000 person-years). There was evidence of focal occurrence of childhood burns in certain districts, and a higher prevalence in rural areas. The authors conclude that childhood burns are a significant health problem in Ghana, especially among rural residents and the very young, and recommend that interventions be developed to control them. Ref.