Burn Injury Patterns: Ten-Year Retrospective Analysis in Goa

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Epidemiological, Forensic, and Clinical Insights into Burn Injuries: A Decade of Analysis from Goa Medical College

Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org

14th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 26-27 September 2025 | Mumbai, India

Understanding the Burden of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries remain one of the most devastating forms of trauma, affecting not just the body but also mental health, families, and communities. Beyond the medical challenges, burns carry important forensic and public health implications. A recent decade-long retrospective study from Goa Medical College (2014–2023) sheds light on the patterns, causes, and outcomes of burn injuries, offering crucial insights for prevention and better care.

Key Highlights of the Study

  • Scale of the problem: Burn cases made up 8.91% of all post-mortem examinations in Goa during the study period.

  • Sample size: The analysis included 972 burn cases, providing a comprehensive overview of trends.

  • Demographics at risk:

    • Higher prevalence among married individuals

    • More common in the middle socioeconomic classes

    • Increased vulnerability in women, especially due to domestic hazards

  • Intentional self-harm: Alarmingly, 56.48% of burn cases were suicidal in nature, pointing to urgent mental health concerns.

  • Cause of death: The leading fatal outcome was septic shock, often due to secondary infections following burns.

Advanced Analytical Approach

The study also employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to understand deeper correlations. Results showed clear links between:

  • Type of burn injury

  • Microbial infections

  • Survival outcomes

  • Socioeconomic factors

This highlights how burn injuries are not just medical events but are influenced by social, economic, and psychological dimensions.

Why These Findings Matter

The implications of this research go far beyond numbers:

  • Public Health: Stronger awareness campaigns and preventive measures are needed, especially targeting domestic hazards.

  • Forensic Medicine: Improved documentation and investigative protocols will strengthen medico-legal processes in burn cases.

  • Clinical Practice: Enhanced infection control and critical care can reduce deaths from septic shock.

  • Mental Health: The high rate of suicidal burns underscores the need for accessible counseling and psychosocial support systems.

Moving Forward

Burn injuries continue to be a major yet preventable public health concern. This decade-long analysis from Goa Medical College provides a roadmap for targeted interventions, bridging the gap between medicine, forensic science, and mental health care. By addressing the root causes and improving treatment protocols, we can reduce mortality and improve quality of life for burn survivors.

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