Burn-related physical impairments and disabilities in Ghanaian children: Prevalence and risk factors

The prevalence and risk factors for childhood burn-related physical impairments and disabilities in Ghana were determined with data from mothers of burned children. Of 650 identified bums, 113 (17.4%) resulted in physical impairments; 5 (1%) resulted in physical disabilities. After multivariate adjustment, the odds of developing burn-related physical impairments were increased by bums with protracted healing (odds ratio [OR] = 5.80), burns to the head/neck (OR = 3.44), burns involving skin removal (OR = 3.04), and wound infection (OR = 2.03) and decreased by first aid (OR = 0.51) and maternal education (OR = 0.54). Education on the proper care of bums may prevent burn-related physical impairments. The results also underscore the link between maternal education and child morbidity.