Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Burn Injuries During the Cold Season in a Regional Hospital in Northeast Thailand: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective descriptive epidemiological study aimed to investigate the incidence of burns during the cold season compared to other times of the year and to identify associated risk factors and clinical characteristics among hospitalized patients. A total of 402 medical records of patients admitted to the burn unit at the Department of Surgery, Udon Thani Hospital, between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic characteristics and incidence. Comparisons between the cold season and other seasons were conducted, and associations between risk factors and clinical outcomes were tested using the Chi-square test. The incidence of burns increased over the three-year period. Incidence during the cold season was 1.65 times higher than in other seasons (OR=1.65). Most patients were elderly females, and the majority of burns occurred due to domestic accidents. Adults were significantly more likely to sustain severe burns than other age groups (χ(2)=28.45, df=15, p=0.019). Complications were significantly associated with burn severity (χ(2)=45.78, df=3, p<0.001) and treatment costs (χ(2)=89.34, df=2, p<0.001). These findings indicate a higher burden of burn injuries during the winter, particularly among the elderly and women. Targeted prevention efforts, such as public safety education and improved first-aid training, are needed. Enhancing treatment protocols and referral systems could further reduce complications and the economic impact of burn injuries.