Retrospective analysis of burn injury trends and outcomes across three African nations using WHO burn registry data

Summary: Abstract Body: Burn injuries remain a critical public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where resources for prevention and management are limited. This study analyzed burn injury characteristics and outcomes in adults aged 18–60 using data from the World Health Organization Burn Registry (2016–2022). Data from Nigeria and Kenya (lower-middle-income countries) and South Africa (upper-middle-income country) were compared to examine burn etiology, mechanisms, management, and the impact of pre-hospital duration on discharge outcomes. A retrospective review evaluated the cause, setting, pre-hospital duration, and discharge condition. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA testing assessed distributions and differences among countries. Flame burns were the most common injury in South Africa (45.3%) and Kenya (38.2%), while electrical burns predominated in Nigeria (42.7%). Most injuries occurred in household settings, with Kenya reporting the highest proportion (62.1%), followed by South Africa (54.8%) and Nigeria (47.5%). Pre-hospital duration varied, with South Africa reporting the longest mean time (7.1 ± 23.8 hours) compared to Nigeria (3.1 ± 9.2 hours) and Kenya (3.9 ± 21.5 hours), showing a trend toward significance (p=0.09). Over 70% of patients across all countries were discharged home without physical impairment. However, longer pre-hospital durations were associated with worse outcomes, emphasizing the need for timely care. This study highlights the influence of economic disparities and healthcare infrastructure on burn care and outcomes. Differences among nations reflect varying healthcare resources and prevention strategies. Targeted interventions, such as improved emergency response systems and burn prevention awareness, are critical to reducing delays and improving outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and global health organizations addressing burn injuries in resource-limited settings. Fatima Naqvi¹, Shelby Devin¹, Mariam Mansuri¹, Selma Abdurrahman² 1. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States. 2. Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States. Clinical Research: Epidemiology and Observational Research