Camerin A Rencken1, Nikki Allorto2, Abigail D Harrison3, Stephen T McGarvey4, Adam R Aluisio5. 1. Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, United States. Electronic address: camerin_rencken@alumni.brown.edu. 2. Burn Surgeon, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KZN, South Africa. 3. Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, United States. 4. International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, United States. 5. Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, Providence, RI, United States.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In South Africa, burns result in excessive morbidity which can be mitigated via follow-up treatments. This study evaluated factors associated with care retention for after burn injuries. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for twelve months of care at the public burn facility in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. All inpatients were eligible, although those who were transferred or died during care were excluded. The primary outcome was return for initial appointment one-week after discharge. The population was analyzed descriptively, and multivariable logistic regression was employed to yield adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: From 354 patients 310 were analyzed. Of these, 177 (57.47%) were children (<12 years). One third (33.12%) of patients were non-adherent to follow-up (n = 102). In multivariable analysis, children ≤12 years of age were more likely to follow up (aOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.07-3.25, p = 0.028), as were those who underwent an operation (aOR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.47-4.91, p = 0.001). Residing ≥50 km from the health center was associated with lower likelihood of follow up (aOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.93, p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: High follow up attrition suggests the need for enhanced engagement in the high-risk burn population studied, and the identified factors could be leveraged in such programming.
INTRODUCTION: In South Africa, burns result in excessive morbidity which can be mitigated via follow-up treatments. This study evaluated factors associated with care retention for after burn injuries. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for twelve months of care at the public burn facility in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. All inpatients were eligible, although those who were transferred or died during care were excluded. The primary outcome was return for initial appointment one-week after discharge. The population was analyzed descriptively, and multivariable logistic regression was employed to yield adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: From 354 patients 310 were analyzed. Of these, 177 (57.47%) were children (<12 years). One third (33.12%) of patients were non-adherent to follow-up (n = 102). In multivariable analysis, children ≤12 years of age were more likely to follow up (aOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.07-3.25, p = 0.028), as were those who underwent an operation (aOR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.47-4.91, p = 0.001). Residing ≥50 km from the health center was associated with lower likelihood of follow up (aOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.93, p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: High follow up attrition suggests the need for enhanced engagement in the high-risk burn population studied, and the identified factors could be leveraged in such programming.
Authors: Irina P Karashchuk; Eve A Solomon; David G Greenhalgh; Soman Sen; Tina L Palmieri; Kathleen S Romanowski Journal: J Burn Care Res Date: 2021-08-04 Impact factor: 1.845