Abstract

LESO-RANGWATO, L M; BHUIYAN, M M Z U  and  NETSHIONGOLWE, T T. Profile of burn patients at Mankweng Hospital, Polokwane, Limpopos Province, South Africa. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2022, vol.112, n.11b, pp.911-914. ISSN 2078-5135.  https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2022.v112i11b.16835.

BACKGROUND. Burn injuries are a common cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. In all societies, burns continue to constitute a medical, psychological and economic problem. Burn wounds are one of the most common surgical emergencies leading to hospitalisation. OBJECTIVES. To understand the profile of patients with burn injuries presenting to Mankweng Hospital in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa. METHODS. This was a retrospective study using a descriptive quantitative design to analyse the profile of all patients admitted consecutively to the Mankweng Hospital burns unit from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020. RESULTS. During the study period, a majority of males (n=412; 56.7%) were admitted, indicating a significant sex difference. CONCLUSION. Children aged <5 years were found to be more affected than any other age group. Males were more affected than their female counterparts. Scalds and flame burns were the most common burn injuries.

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