Pediatric Burn Cases in Çanakkale Province and Its Hinterland

Abstract

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to investigate pediatric burn cases in Canakkale, Türkiye, focusing on the demographic and etiological aspects of patients treated at Onsekiz Mart University Hospital. We assessed the incidence of pediatric burns, identified prevalent causes, and analyzed patterns among affected children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospective demographic details, burn parameters, and follow-up information of 26 pediatric patients treated between January 2020 and July 2023. We examined pretreatment and postoperative patient photographs, analyzed data on intentional harm or unintentional negligence, and compared information on our patients with patients in the literature. RESULTS: Over the 30-month period, 26 pediatric burn patients were treated at the clinic, constituting 38.8% of the total burn cases (n = 67). Scalds (80.8%) and contact burns (19.2%) emerged as the primary causes. Of note, no evidence of abuse was identified among the pediatric patients with burn injuries. The child-to-total pediatric burn patient ratio exceeded expectations. CONCLUSIONS: Child neglect in Canakkale persists despite the region’s higher socioeconomic status. This study emphasized the need for targeted educational and preventive initiatives, focusing on household safety for young children. Interventions must address neglect as a primary cause of pediatric burns, necessitating comprehensive examinations of all burn patients to identify potential abuse or neglect.