Differences between burns in rural and in urban areas: implications for prevention

This study aimed to identify typical features of burns in rural areas and t o improve their prevention by comparing the characteristics of burnt patien ts and their burns in rural and urban areas. A cross-sectional survey was c onducted in 19 of the 23 French burns units over one year, using a structur ed questionnaire. We analysed the resulting database. Of the 1422 patients, excluding 188 burnt in unclassified areas, 420 (34%) were burnt in rural a reas. Burns were more frequent in rural than in urban areas. Occupational b urns were more frequent in rural than in urban areas. The characteristics o f patients and burns did not differ between the areas. Patients burnt durin g everyday activities were older and more frequently had predisposing facto rs in rural than in urban areas. Burns occurred outdoors more often in rura l than in urban areas and were frequently due to flames or explosions or to the use of barbecues or open fires. The hands and perineum were burnt more frequently in rural than in urban areas. Rural burns were more severe than urban burns: they were deeper, involved a larger body surface area and cau sed more deaths. Preventive measures in rural areas should take into accoun t occupation and everyday activities. They should be specifically adapted t o the profiles of burnt patients. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd and ISBI. A ll rights reserved.