Predictors of Mortality in Burn Patients at Selected Tertiary Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Two-Year Retrospective Study.

Background

Burn injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries, yet remain underreported due to limited data systems. This study describes the epidemiology of burn patients admitted to two major burn centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and identifies predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with new burn injuries admitted between 1 September 2021, and 1 November 2023, at the Addis Ababa Burn, Emergency, and Trauma Center (AaBET) and Yekatit 12 Medical College (Y12MC) hospitals. Data were extracted from medical records. Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics, and binary logistic regression with multivariable analysis identified factors associated with in-hospital mortality using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Chart completeness was 96.2%. Among 800 patients, 57% were female, with a median age of 18 years (range: 0-89); approximately 80% were under 30 years. Scalds were the leading cause (49.1%). In-hospital mortality was 8.5% (95% CI: 6.5-10.4). Significant predictors included inhalation injury (AOR 6.53), TBSA ≥ 15% (AOR 3.33), deep burns (AOR 1.96), and ICU admission (AOR 14.42).

Conclusions

In-hospital mortality was moderate, disproportionately affecting children and young adults, underscoring the need to strengthen critical care and management of severe burns.