Burden and associated factors of unintentional household burn injuries in South Asia: A systematic review

Background

Burn injuries account for almost 0.3 million deaths annually worldwide. Household burn injury is one of the common causes of burn injuries. This issue in South Asia is concerning and is an important epidemiological problem that needs to be explored and reported. This study aimed to estimate the current burden, types, and severity of unintentional household burn injuries and identify the associated factors of unintentional household burn injuries.

Methods

We reviewed all available studies (qualitative or quantitative) on unintentional household injuries in South Asia. All studies on household burn injuries from 2000 to 2020, including all the relevant published information as described in the inclusion criteria.

Results

The findings of the study revealed that in South Asian regions the low socio-economic status, and poor prevention and treatment policies for the burden of burn injuries are the predominant factors and that the associated risk factors play a role in unintentional burn injury incidents with lack of education and awareness effecting mainly women and children to have accidents at households suffering from burn injuries, morbidity, and mortality. No data is available for the Maldives and Bhutan.

Conclusion

Unintentional burn injuries cause morbidity and mortality, primarily among women and children. With the lack of financial resources and inadequate policies for burn care, prevention, and treatment in South Asian countries, it is essential to reduce the burden.