Shah et al identified risk factors for scald burn injury in young children under 5 years of age. These can help to identify children who may benefit from interventions to reduce risk. The authors are from the University of Nottingham.
Patient selection: age < 5 years of age, accidental scald injury (non-abusive)
Risk factors for scald injury:
(1) age 13 to 24 months (odds ratio 2.4), associated with reaching and curiosity behaviors
(2) older sibling (odds ratio 1.4 for one and 2.2 for two or more)
(3) deprived social status (odds ratio 1.6 for quintile 4 and 1.8 for quintile 5)
(4) maternal age less than 20 at childbirth (older age associated with reduced risk, odds ratio)
Risk factors for scald injury with lower odds ratios:
(1) male gender (odds ratio 1.3)
(2) single adult household (odds ratio 1.3)
Interventions to reduce the risk of scalding should be given to all parents, with special attention given to those with multiple risk factors.
