Quality of life in burn injury survivors using world health organization disability assessment scale ii at Muhimbili national hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Burn injury is a global problem affecting people of all ages. For instance, globally, 800,000 new cases of burns were reported in 2019, and 100,000 new deaths were reported most of it was confined to children under the age of < 4 years. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 18,000–30,000 children suffer burn injuries every year following burn-related accidents. Among all injuries in children requiring visits to health centers in Dar es Salaam 26% were due tburns, with the majority occurring at home while doing household chores. Objective: To assess the long-term psychological distress and quality of life among burn survivors using WHODAS-II at MNH. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional observational study done at MNH for 5 months, from September 2023 to March 2024. The study population involved pediatric and adult burn survivors, capturing different age groups' challenges. We admitted them to MNH, treated them there, and then released them to either attend a clinic or no longer seek medical care. We retrieved their contact information from the medical records, called those who no longer sought medical care, and invited them for an interview. The data was processed and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Categorical variables were depicted using proportions and frequency tables, while continuous variables were quantified using statistical measures such as the mean, median, standard deviation, and percentage. Other statistical tests, such as the t-test and Spearman correlation coefficient, were used. Results: This study included 84 participants, with the majority being males (79.8%). We used the standardized assessment scale tool WHODAS-II, to assess the participants. On the TBSA, participants with greater surface area had a poor mean score of life across all domains of life. This also had a direct correlation with the location of the burn; the victims in exposed and unexposed areas had a poorer quality of life compared to either exposed or unexposed assessed alone. The study found a peculiar correlation between the burn age factor and an individual's quality of life: the greater the burn age, the better the quality of xii life. Finally, this study found no difference in the quality of life between burn victims before and after school. Conclusion: The study reveals burn survivors face unique challenges in various aspects of their lives, including social and psychological effects. It highlights the need for healthcare providers, legislators, and rehabilitation specialists to strategize and direct therapies such as psychological evaluation and physiotherapy for these individuals. A large-scale study across Tanzania is crucial to better understand these experiences and influence policymakers to promote rehabilitation and reintegration.