Tap water scalds among seniors and the elderly: socio-economics and implications for prevention.
BACKGROUND
Tap water scalds among those >or=60 years old are often attributed to physical impairments with aging. This study assesses socio-economics associated with tap water scalds among seniors and the elderly.


METHODS
Charts of patients admitted to an urban Burn Center between 7/00 and 6/04 for treatment of tap water scalds were reviewed. Demographics, injury details, co-morbidities, surgical interventions/critical care requirements, length of stay (LOS), disposition and related economics were reviewed.


RESULTS
During the study period, 68 patients >or=60 years were hospitalized for treatment of these scalds. Mean age and burn size were 78+/-1 years and 7+/-0.9% TBSA. Over 98% of patients were admitted with pre-existing co-morbidities; 60% required ICU care for 40+/-5 days; 22% required mechanical ventilation and 71% required surgery. LOS was 34+/-4 days. Most patients received government assistance income. Pre-injury, 32% resided alone. Post-injury, 10% of patients returned home alone; mortality was 22%. Per patient hospital costs approximated $113,000.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings report that tap water scalds result in significant morbidity, mortality and health care costs for local seniors and the elderly. Socio-economic factors play a significant role in these injuries and must be assessed when planning prevention efforts.
Alden
Nicole E
NE
William Randolph Hearst Burn Center, New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 E 68th Street, L706, New York, NY 10021, USA. Nea9001@nyp.org
Bessey
Palmer Q
PQ
Rabbitts
Angela
A
Hyden
Philip J
PJ
Yurt
Roger W
RW
D000061:Accidents, Home / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002056:Burns / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D003422:Critical Care / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors