Cooking-related burn injuries at Muhimbili National hospital and knowledge about safe use of liquefied petroleum gas in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: A cross-sectional study

Background

Cooking-related burn injuries are a public health problem, and may be even more likely to occur in countries that are experiencing a transition to cleaner cooking fuels like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The risk of burns from cooking with these newer fuels, and safety measures or training to prevent injuries, is not well documented. This study examines the burden of burn injuries and burn prevention education provided to consumer by LPG stove and cylinder vendors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 burn patients admitted to Muhumbili National Hospital from February 2022 to January 2023 to assess cooking-related burns.

Results

We found that among 377 patients with all burn injuries, 100 (26.5%) were cooking-related, with charcoal (51%) and LPG (35%) stoves being the most reported. Females (61%) were more affected than males (39%), and lower education levels were more likely to be associated with burn injuries. Of all burn patients admitted, 57 (15.1%) died. Among those who experienced a cooking-related burn, 7 (7%) died. Children were more affected (59%) by any cooking-related burn injuries, but adults were more likely to experience LPG-related burns (56%). Small cylinders with a burner placed directly over the cylinder as one unit, without a connecting hose, caused less injury than stoves using a larger cylinder with a rubber connecting hose.

Conclusion

Safety measures for LPG stoves and fuels, including policies to increase awareness and prevent burn injuries, must be prioritized in countries like Tanzania that are transitioning from solid fuels to LPG fuels for cooking.