Prevention of burns in developing countries.

Source

Tygerberg Burn Unit, Department of General Surgery, W.C. Steenkamp Department of Social Works, Tygerberg Hospital, University Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Abstract

in English, French

Burns represent an important health and economic problem in Africa and in the developing countries. Prevention programs in the developing countries are still at an infant phase. It is well known that prevention includes surveillance with data analysis and reporting. With information campaigns, an effort can be made to use regulatory action, to educate the population and modify the environment. The aim of this paper is to identify the risk factors in communities in order to implement communitybased burn prevention strategies, not only on the African continent but also in other developing countries. Effective prevention programs are highlighted. Evidence regarding adequate safety legislation with policing seems to show immediate effects with multiparty involvement and statistical decrease of injury and death. Three examples are discussed where political commitment is mobilised to ensure regulatory action. Other programs are cost-effective and have long-lasting effects, but they take time. Cochrane database system reviews highlighted the problems when people were encouraged to change their lifestyle. NGOs play a definite role in developing countries, and in Bangladesh and Pakistan efforts are being made to curb acid-throwing violence. Communities consist of many groups. There must be a societal responsibility to design products a.

Conclusion:

"Prevention programs that rely on educational strategies alone are not very effective, especially in the developing countries. It is difficult to educate people in matters concerning safety, and knowledge does not necessarily lead to a change in behaviour. Dinesh Mohan

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Destroy user interface control 14 sets out clearly that a community comprises many different groups of people, e.g. some who are upset because they have recently suffered a personal tragedy, others taking medications or drugs that alter their behaviour and perceptual abilities, those under the influence of alcohol, and elderly people whose motor and cognitive functions are impaired. One could add those who are worn down by poverty and the daily struggle to make a living. Mohan holds that “we have a societal responsibility to design our products and environment so that people find it easy and convenient to behave in a safe manner. The systems must be such that they are safe not only for normal people but also for those individuals who might belong to any of the groups listed above. These kinds of designs, rules and regulations would reduce the probability of people hurting one another or themselves even when they make mistakes. Such systems are very often referred to as “forgiving systems”.^{The following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version.
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Prevention of burn injury is the key. In the developing countries effective prevention programs face barriers to their implementation. Adequate safety legislation and policing prove to be the best ways. Thoughtful interventions have reduced burn morbidity and mortality in high income countries. In low and middle income countries it is time to coax partners and governments to do the same."

TimAllenMDJD

Tuesday, June 18, 2013