Psychological and Emotional Challenges of Adolescents with Burns

Background and Objective: Burns injury is a major cause of psychological and emotional challenges to adolescents, contributing both as a risk factor and as an outcome process. This poses a great challenge in rehabilitation of burns patients. The main objective of this research is to understand better the frequency of psychological and emotional challenges in burns victims. Materials and Methods: 60 adolescents between the ages of 12 to 18 years were the subjects of study with varying degree of burns at a tertiary Government Hospital in Bangalore, during January to December 2020. A 21 points multiple choice questionnaire (Beck’s Anxiety and Depression Inventory) including various emotional aspects through interview was the material used to ascertain these patients. Standard statistical measures like mean with standard deviation and frequencies with proportions were calculated. Results: Of the 60 patients, 18 were females and 42 were males. The mean age of participants was 14 years. Majority of victims (58%) sustained burn injuries ranging from 25%-30%. Accidental burns was the most common factor in 52 cases and remaining 8 cases were suicidal burns. Anxiety was seen amongst 58 cases, out of which 10 had mild, 22 had moderate and remaining 28 had severe anxiety scores. Depression was seen in all 60 patients, out of which 10 had mild, 22 had moderate and 28 cases had severe depression symptoms.  Self Esteem levels was analysed using Self Esteem Inventory by Mackinnon [1985] The emotional aspects involved self Esteem, body image, and peer interactions. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression co-existed in majority of cases, along with low self esteem, low body image, future uncertainties hence an emotional and psychological morale building task and encouraging them to have a positive outlook towards their future was the main rationale of this study.