Published online Mar 9, 2026. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.114064
Revised: October 29, 2025
Accepted: January 6, 2026
Published online: March 9, 2026
Processing time: 177 Days and 0.8 Hours
Burns are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children, especially in developing countries like India. Unless fatal, burns can lead to lifelong disability, affecting social and psychological well-being of the child. It further exacerbates the financial strain on parents and adversely impacts the mental well-being of siblings.
To understand the epidemiological profile as well as the psychosocial and ec
An observational study was conducted at tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 20 months in which pediatric burn patients of age less than 15 years of age were evaluated. Demographic profile, circumstances of injury, type of burns (scalds, flame burns, electric burns), adult supervision at the time injury, time lapse and condition of patient at initial reporting, severity of burns, length of hospital stay and stay in intensive care unit, surgical procedures performed, outcome, deaths, adverse behavioral changes, financial impact on parents and impact on siblings were studied.
Majority of pediatric burns enrolled in the study were below 5 years of age (63.4%). Male (59.7%) to female (40.3%) ratio was 1.5:1. Scalds were the most common cause in all ages (55.07%). Flame burns (28.6%) and electric burns (16.3%) were more common in older children between age group 5-15 years. Patients who presented early with total body surface area burnt less than 50% had better outcomes. Mean loss of number of working days of parents in our study was 27.77 ± 13.07 days. Most common behavioral alteration reported in patients was irritability and anger (5.18%). Mean number of losses of school days for siblings was 20.59 ± 14.72 days. Multiple behavioral changes were observed in the siblings.
Majority of pediatric burns are caused by preventable factors. Public awareness regarding risk factors and preventive strategies can go a long way in reducing both pediatric disability as well as financial impact on the family.
Core Tip: Pediatric burns remain a significant cause of morbidity in developing countries, with children under five most affected. This prospective study highlights the predominantly preventable nature of such injuries, with scalds being the most common cause. Beyond physical trauma, burns impose a profound psychosocial and economic burden on families - ranging from emotional distress and behavioral changes in both patients and siblings, to substantial loss of workdays for parents. Early intervention and standardized management improve outcomes. Public awareness, education on prevention, and improved burn care infrastructure are essential to reduce incidence, disability, and long-term financial impact on affected families and the healthcare system.