Burns in children under 5 years-old in Popayán, Colombia: Beliefs, knowledge and practices

Abstract

DOI: 10.1016/j.rcpe.2015.07.003

Background

Burn injuries in children are a public health problem, due to their physical, psychological and socioeconomic implications. The child population is the most vulnerable to burns. In Popayán, Colombia, most of the burns occur at home. However, non-local qualitative studies on the subject are not known in this city in order to establish better prevention programs from the beliefs, knowledge and practices of the study population.

Objective

To explore the beliefs, knowledge and practices of caregivers of burns children under five years-old in Popayán, Colombia.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted using two focus groups and an in depth interview in Popayán in 2014, with mothers, fathers, and caregivers of children under 5 years of age, as well as their the beliefs and practices on childhood burns. Audio recordings were transcribed, and the transcripts were analyzed with Microsoft Word using the techniques for identifying issues and incidence density.

Results

The main results of this study were the perceptions of increased risk in children, the importance of monitoring and support for adults, and the identification of the kitchen as a frequent site of burns. People consider that burns are reported more frequently in December, given the current national and municipal focus on burns prevention. Lack of knowledge about prevention of burns was demonstrated. People refer to the frequent use of home remedies, and accept the need for training in the initial treatment.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the lack of adequate knowledge on prevention and management of burns, and the need for preventive education and prompt treatment of these injuries.