Treatment outcomes of burn injury and its associated factor among children in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Burns are a prominent cause of unintentional injury, mortality, and disability. In addition to being a personal disaster for the victim, severe burns are a medical concern and financial burden on national health systems. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide solid evidence on the prevalence of poor treatment outcomes and the associated factors of poor treatment outcomes of burn injuries among children in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: We searched several databases, including PubMed, Medline, Central, Hinary, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online, Web of Science, and Google on December 26, 2023. The quality of the papers was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for observational studies. Inclusion criteria were observational studies, case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies in English, published or unpublished, full-text, from January 30, 2000, to December 26, 2023. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analyzed with STATA V.17 Statistical Software. Publication bias was assessed graphically with a funnel plot and statistically with Egger's regression and Begg's tests. RESULT: This systematic review and meta-analysis includes 18 studies. The overall prevalence of poor treatment outcomes for burn injuries was 15.99% (95% CI 11.32% to 20.66%). The study found that characteristics such as age under five years (POR = 8.57 (95% CI: 3.35 to 13.78)), TBSA (total body surface area) greater than 20% (POR = 10.59 (95% CI: 2.87-18.31)), flame burn (POR = 3.87, 95% CI (1.19-6.56)), and malnutrition (POR = 3.26, 95% CI (1.91-4.61)) were related to poor treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of poor treatment outcomes for burn injuries among children in Sub-Saharan Africa was high. The poor treatment outcomes of burn injuries are associated with age, TBSA, burn type, and malnutrition. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions, developing nutritional support programs for children, improved healthcare infrastructure and supportive policies can significantly enhance treatment outcomes.