Epidemiology of fatal burns in rural South Africa: A mortuaryregister-based study from Mpumalanga Province.

Abstract

Aim: The study investigates the epidemiology of fatal burns in the predominantly rural province of Mpumalanga, South Africa. Method: The study is cross-sectional and investigates region specific data extracted from a National Injury Mortality Surveillance System (NIMSS) and originally gathered at mortuaries. Fatal burns sustained during the 2 year period 2007 and 2008 are analysed (n = 304 cases). Mortality rates by age group, sex and district were compiled and attention was paid to manner of death, location, and temporal characteristics (time of day, weekday, season). Results: The overall fatal burn rate was 3.8 per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 3.4–4.3). The highest rates were among the oldest age group (8.2/100,000; 95% CI 6.1–10.7), males (5.3/ 100,000; 95% CI 4.6–6.2) and in one of the three districts, Nkangala (4.8/100,000; 95% CI 3.9– 5.6). Most burns were accidental (68.4%) and intentional ones (13.5%) occurred in particular among older people and in the home. Burns were sustained frequently at home (55.6%), between midnight and 5 a.m. and towards the end of the week. Seasonal variations were more pronounced in Nkangala. Conclusions: Fatal burns could be less common in rural than urban South Africa. As in urban South Africa, however, older people, young children, and males are more at risk. Not surprisingly, the occurrence of fatal burns is strongly related to living conditions and lifestyle, which vary even within rural areas of South Africa.