Adolescents with and without head and neck burns: Comparison of long-term outcomes in the burn model system national database

Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J89128

Journal:

Burns

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2022 , 48, 1, 40-50

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study assessed the association between head and neck (H&N) burn status and long-term outcomes for life satisfaction, body image satisfaction, community integration, and health-related quality of life among adolescent burn survivors. Data collected from the Burn Model System National Database (2006-2015) for 392 burn survivors between 14 and 17.9 years of age were analyzed. Participants were stratified into two groups to compare long-term consequences of appearance: individuals with burns to the head, neck, or face (H&N) and individuals with burns to other areas of the body (non-H&N). The following patient reported outcome measures were assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months after injury: Satisfaction with Appearance Scale (SWAP), Satisfaction with Life Scale, Community Integration Questionnaire, and Short Form-12 Health Survey. Regression analyses were used to assess association between outcome measures and H&N group at 12 months. The H&N group had more extensive burns, had longer hospital stays, were more likely to be burned by fire/flame, and were more likely to be Hispanic compared to the non-H&N group. Regression analysis found that H&N burn status was associated with worse SWAP scores. No significant associations were found between H&N burn status and other outcome measures. Adolescents with H&N burn status showed significantly worse satisfaction with appearance at 12 months after injury. Future research should examine interventions to help improve body image and coping for adolescent burn survivors with head and neck burns.

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