Challenges in Burns Management in a Tertiary Care Center in Albania
Introduction: Burn injuries represent a significant public health concern globally, with a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of burn injuries in Albania. It highlights t...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Albanian Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Albanian Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://journal.astes.org.al/AJTES/index.php/AJTES/article/view/418 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Burn injuries represent a significant public health concern globally, with a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of burn injuries in Albania. It highlights the critical need for targeted interventions to reduce the incidence and severity of burns in the population.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined burn patients at the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery at Mother Teresa University Hospital Center in Tirana from January 2022 to January 2024. Data were collected from medical records in Tirana, Albania. Formal approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Mother Teresa Hospital. The data were recorded in Excel and analyzed using the SPSS statistics program.
Results: This retrospective cohort study included 303 burn patients admitted between January 2022 and January 2024. Data on patient demographics, burn causes, total body surface area (TBSA), and burn severity were collected and analyzed using SPSS software.
The mean patient age was 36.1 years, with children aged 0-10 most affected, especially 2-year-olds. The youngest patient was seven months old, and the oldest was 89. Male patients comprised 60.7% of the cohort. The leading cause of burns was scalding from hot liquids (39.9%), followed by flames (20.4%) and electrical burns (8.2%). The average TBSA affected was 23.06%. The mortality rate was 7.3%.
Conclusion: Burn injuries present significant physical and psychological challenges. Despite advancements in burn care, the importance of preventive measures and public awareness campaigns must be addressed. These remain the most effective strategies to reduce burn incidence and severity. These findings underscore Albania's need for improved burn prevention and public safety initiatives.
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| ISSN: | 2521-8778 2616-4922 |