Aetiology of severe burn incidents in children under 5 years of age in the Netherlands: A prospective cohort study.

Abstract

Risk factors and mechanisms of injury may change over time. Since knowledge on aetiology of severe burn incidents in children under 5 years of age in the Netherlands is outdated, this study aimed to identify current risk factors and mechanisms of severe burn injury in children under 5 years of age in the Netherlands to direct future prevention campaigns. Information on personal-, environmental- and behavioural circumstances as well as the mechanism of burn injury was prospectively collected in all burn centres during one year from patient records and structured interviews with parents. Boys around 18 months of age, who, while in upright position, pulled down a cup of hot tea over themselves, were overrepresented. Children in families with more children, having a migration background, living in urbanised neighborhoods or with a low socioeconomic status (SES) are at increased risk for severe burn injury. Most incidents happened in their own home with the parents in close proximity to the child. Outcomes of this prospective cohort study provide up-to-date and extensive knowledge on the aetiology of severe burn incidents in children under 5 years of age in the Netherlands, and provide directions for prevention policy and campaigns.