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. 1995 Mar;1(1):31–34. doi: 10.1136/ip.1.1.31

Determinants of modern health care use by families after a childhood burn in Ghana.

S N Forjuoh 1, B Guyer 1, D M Strobino 1
PMCID: PMC1067538  PMID: 9345990

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined determinants of modern health care use by families after their child aged 0-5 years sustained a burn injury in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. METHODS: A community based survey of children aged 0-5 years was conducted in 50 enumeration areas in the region. Mothers of all children with scars as evidence of a burn were selected for a follow up interview using a standard questionnaire two to three months later. Determinants of health care use were investigated through a multivariate logistic regression using interview responses from mothers of 617 children for whom report on some treatment was given. RESULTS: Overall, 48% of the burned children were taken to a modern health facility for treatment. Of those taken to a modern health facility, 68% were sent within 24 hours of the burn event. Factors with large adjusted odds ratios for modern health care use included wound infection, burns covering 6% or more of the body surface, and third degree burns. Compared with scalds, children with contact and flame burns were less likely to be taken to a health facility, as were burns to rural children, and those given first aid treatment at home. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that families, particularly rural residents, should be educated about appropriate health care seeking practices after a burn.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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