USE OF HOSPITAL STATISTICS TO PLAN PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES FOR BURNS INA DEVELOPING-COUNTRY

This study is based on hospital statistics wing 1985 burn patients adm itted to Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique. For a period of 42 months (1988-91). On the basis of the results obtained, some sugges tions are made for the design of the targets and methods for a prevent ive strategy for burn injuries in Maputo. Strengthening of preventive measures should occur during the cold season of the year and particula rly in the preceding months (March to May). Children under 5 years old would be the main target, particularly the age group 2-3 years. Mothe rs' and older siblings' education would be the vector and they would b e approached through continuing health education activities, regularly carried out al present, and educational programmes in schools. We als o propose the use of a simple safety device aimed at preventing burns responsible for the highest lethality. Proposed interventions rely on extensive knowledge of the epidemiological parameters influencing the occurrence of burns severe enough to warrant admission to hospital. Th e beneficial impact of these interventions on hospital workload and ec onomy would probably overcome costs for its implementation.