BURN-RELATED PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENTS AND DISABILITIES IN GHANAIAN CHILDREN - PREVALENCE AND RISK-FACTORS

The prevalence and risk factors for childhood burn-related physical im pairments and disabilities in Ghana were determined with data from mot hers of burned children. Of 550 identified burns, 113 (17.4%) resulted in physical impairments; 5 (1%) resulted ill physical disabilities. A fter multivariate adjustment, the odds of developing burn-related phys ical impairments were increased by burns with protracted healing (odds ratio [OR] = 5.80): burns to the head/neck (OR = 3.44), burns involvi ng skin removal (OR = 3.04), and wound infection (OR = 2.03) and decre ased by first aid (OR = 0.51) and maternal education (OR = 0.54). Educ ation on the proper care of burns may prevent burn-related physical im pairments. The results also underscore the link between maternal educa tion and child morbidity.