Revista Eletrônica de Enfermagem (Mar 2016)

Domestic burns among children, adolescents and young adults: urgency and emergency cases

  • Jackeline Gonçalves Brito,
  • Christine Baccarat de Godoy Martins

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5216/ree.v18.32141
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 0

Abstract

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The objective of this study was to analyze domestic burns caused by the exposure to electric current/radiation/temperature, smoke/fire/flames and contact with a source of heat/hot substances, in children, adolescents and young adults treated at an urgency/emergency service of reference. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with victims (0 to 24 years of age) of home burns treated at an urgency/emergency service of a capital city located in the center-west region of Brazil, in 2013. In total, 84 victims of home burns were studied, with prevalence of female victims (59.5%) and age group of 1-4 years of age (27.4%). The most frequent burns were caused by contact with a source of heat/hot substances (82.1%) and exposure to smoke/fire/flames (15.5%). The body areas most commonly affected by home burns were head, trunk, and upper and lower limbs (90.5%), with prevalence of second-degree burns (40.5%). Home burns significantly affect children, adolescents and young adults, particularly female subjects, highlighting the importance of providing preventive and educational activities to female victims.

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