The Impact of Body Image on Physical Function and Return to Work After Burn: A Burn Model System Study

Burn injury can have a lasting impact on quality of life beyond the initial injury. The aim of this study was to examine the recovery process through analyzing the relationship between body image, physical function, and return to work. This study uses data from the Burn Model System National Longitudinal Database and includes 1001 participants injured between 2015 and 2023 who were measured using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 Physical Function, Employment Status, and the Body Image subscale. Associations were explored using multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses. Physical function was positively associated with body image and negatively associated with burn size, age, and amputation. Employment was positively correlated with body image and employment at injury, while negatively correlated with age. Other variables, including burn etiology, burn center site, race, and ethnicity, were significant at different time points. By understanding how these factors change and are associated with outcomes across recovery, the healthcare team can make more tailored efforts to improve the psychosocial and physical well-being of burn survivors.