Risk Factors to Childhood Burns in the New Juaben Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

This study was conducted to gain understanding on the risk factors and how much each co-factor is contributing to childhood burns in the New Juaben Municipality of Ghana. This is to serve as the basis for future preventive Interventions. The mixed methods approach was used. Questionnaire was administered to consenting parents/ caretakers of children in the municipality. In addition, key informants interviews were conducted to determine the major risk factors and the underlying practices contributing to these threats. The results were derived from the quantitative and qualitative data gathered from 600 respondents and 24 key informants. It was found that poverty, poor relationship with the child, overcrowding at home, inadequate education on safety precaution and poor cooking behaviour were significant in influencing childhood burns while sex and age of the child and marital status of parents / caretakers were not significant in influencing childhood burns. Children from poor homes are 18.9 times more likely to be victims of burns and those living in overcrowded home are 9.3 times more likely to be victims of burns. To prevent childhood burns at home, interventions should be targeted at reducing household poverty and to increase the socio-economic status of parents / caretakers of children.

Keywords: Risk factors, threats, aetiology, causes of childhood burns.