Determinants of childhood burns in rural Bangladesh: A nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND

Burn is one of the major causes of childhood illnesses in Bangladesh and is the third leading cause of illness of 1- to 4-year-old children. Rural children are more at risk compared to urban-dwelling children.

OBJECTIVE

The study was designed to identify the risk factors of childhood burn in rural Bangladesh.

METHODS

This nested case-control study was conducted in rural Bangladesh. The study population was children of less than 10 years old in three sub-districts of Bangladesh.

RESULTS

Children of families who did not have a household with a separate kitchen, a common occurrence in rural areas, were at significantly higher risk of burn (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.22-2.24). A kitchen without a door was also found to create a more hazardous environment compared to a kitchen with a door. The traditional kerosene lamp (kupi bati) was found to be one of the major determinants of childhood burn in rural Bangladesh (OR 3.16; 95% CI 1.58-6.35). No use or restricted use of kupi bati significantly reduces the risk of childhood burn. Children of nuclear families were at significantly higher risk of burn compared to combined families.

CONCLUSION

Cooking in an open place and use of the traditional kerosene lamp are the major determinants of childhood burn in rural Bangladesh. A combined family environment reduces the risk of childhood burn. Childhood burn can be reduced by prohibiting use of kupi bati and limiting children's access to the cooking area. Promoting combined family could be an initiative of childhood burn prevention program.