Burned twice: the emotional toll of paediatric burns on caregivers

Abstract

Background: Paediatric burn injuries significantly impact both the patients and their caregivers, with caregivers shouldering immense psychological and emotional burdens. While extensive research exists on the clinical outcomes of paediatric burns, the long-term effects on caregiver mental health and quality of life (QoL) remain underexplored.

Methods: An observational study was conducted with 100 caregivers of paediatric burn patients treated at a tertiary burn care centre. Participants were assessed at day zero, three months, and six months post-injury. Burn severity and total body surface area (TBSA) affected were documented. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), Infant dermatitis QoL index (IDQOL) and children’s dermatology life quality index (CDLQI) assessed the impact on caregiver and child QoL.

Results: At baseline, 52% of caregivers reported clinically significant anxiety and 47% reported depression. These levels decreased significantly by six months. QoL scores improved over time, with IDQOL scores decreasing from 17.5±4.2 at baseline to 7.6±3.2 at six months, and CDLQI scores declining from 18.3±4.7 to 9.1±3.8. Burn severity, measured by TBSA, was positively correlated with caregiver anxiety (r=0.62, p<0.01), indicating greater psychological distress for caregivers of children with more extensive burns.

Conclusions: Caregivers of paediatric burn patients face significant psychological and QoL challenges. These findings underscore the need for early and sustained psychological interventions, tailored support for caregivers of children with severe burns, and holistic burn care approaches that address both the physical and emotional well-being of patients and their caregivers.