Assessment of psychological responses in children after burn injuries

Abstract

Background: Burn injuries are among the most severe forms of childhood trauma, leading to significant psychological as well as physical consequences. Children aged 1–11 years are especially vulnerable due to the sensitivity of psychological development during this period. After burn injuries, they are at high risk of acute stress reactions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aims to identify post-burn psychological changes in young children and improve early detection and diagnosis. Aim: To determine the prevalence of post-burn stress disorder (PTSD), to identify selected risk factors that may influence its development, and to examine the associations between these factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study design was used to examine psychological changes and response patterns in 279 young children who had experienced burn injuries. Results: A total of 279 children aged 1-11 years were included in the study (mean age 4.89±2.99 years), with 49% female and 51% male participants. The mean PTSD score was 13.65±10.35. The highest PTSD scores were observed in children burned by fire or open flames (20.92±13.94). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between age and PTSD score (p<0.001). Significant risk factors influencing post-burn PTSD scores included age, burns caused by hot stoves, hot tea or food, electrical burns, and the percentage of total body surface area burned (p<0.001). Conclusions: 1. 9.4% of the 279 children in the study had post-traumatic stress disorder. 2. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between burn rate, child age, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) score. 3. In the study of risk factors affecting post-burn PTSD scores, factors such as age, hot stove burns, hot food burns, electrical burns, and burn rate were statistically significantly associated with post-burn PTSD scores. In addition, factors such as thirdand fourth-degree burns, burns to the upper limbs and adjacent areas were statistically significantly associated with post-burn PTSD scores.