Burn Injury Treatment Outcomes and Associated Factors Among Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Hospital Burn Unit in Southern Ethiopia: A Facility‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Burn injuries, caused by heat, radiation, electricity, friction, or chemical exposure, result in significant damage to the skin and underlying tissues, representing a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Despite their substantial impact on health outcomes, evidence regarding burn injury outcomes and contributing factors remains limited in the study area. This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes and associated factors among burn patients admitted to the burn ward of the University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital between November 2020 and November 2024. Methods This facility‐based cross‐sectional study included 271 burn patients selected using consecutive sampling. Data were extracted from medical records using structured checklists via Kobo Collect, exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Multivariable analysis identified factors significantly associated with burn outcomes at p ‐value < 0.05. Results The prevalence of discharge with complications was 17.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.0%–22.0%). Independent predictors included age ≥ 60 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.40; 95% CI: 1.01–19.11), pre‐hospital interventions (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.15–4.98), absence of fluid and electrolyte replacement (AOR = 3.06; 95% CI: 1.39–6.70), and burn surface area ≥ 30% (AOR = 5.20; 95% CI: 1.53–17.64). Conclusion Advanced age, inappropriate pre‐hospital interventions, insufficient fluid resuscitation, and extensive burns (≥ 30% total body surface area [TBSA]) were identified as key independent determinants of discharge with complications. Targeted strategies including age‐tailored management, community burn first aid education, and adherence to fluid resuscitation protocols are essential to reduce burn‐related complications and improve outcomes in resource‐limited settings.