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. 2016 Dec 31;29(4):295-299.

Long-Term Study Of Health And Quality Of Life After Burn Injury

A L Moi  1 , E Haugsmyr  2 , H Heisterkamp  2
Affiliations

Long-Term Study Of Health And Quality Of Life After Burn Injury

A L Moi et al. Ann Burns Fire Disasters. .

Abstract
in English, French

The aim of the present study was to examine burn patient health status, quality of life and work status 16.2 (1.7) [mean (SD)] years after burn injury, and to compare the findings with similar questionnaire data from the same people obtained 11.5 years earlier. Data on burn-specific health (BSHS-N), generic health (SF-36), overall quality of life (QOLS), injury characteristics, socio-demography and work were obtained in 2001 from 95 adult burn patients. In 2013, 78 participants were still eligible, and 34 of them (age: 53.4 [9.4] [mean (SD)], total body surface burn: 17.8% [12.7%]; full thickness injury: 4.4% [5.1%]) answered a follow up study. In 2001, the burn patients reported impaired health status, but an overall quality of life comparable to the Norwegian general population. In particular, the participants were satisfied with their close relationships. At follow up 11.5 years later, the perceived burn-specific and generic health remained unchanged, whereas overall quality of life had improved significantly (QOLS score 77.2 (10.2) vs. 73.1 (12.1), p=0.003), with the largest improvements in the items related to satisfaction with helping others, work, physical active pastimes and independence. The results indicate that self-perceived functioning and wellbeing expressed by burn-specific and generic health status remain stable after the first years post injury. The improvement in overall quality of life 16.2 years post injury suggests long-term processes of growth.

Le but de cette étude était d’évaluer l’état de santé, la qualité de vie et le rapport au travail 16,2 ± 1,7 ans après une brûlure, et de comparées ces données à celles obtenues auprès des mêmes patients 11,5 ans plus tôt. Les données spécifiques (BSHS-N) et générales (SF36) sur la qualité de vie, celles la brûlures, socio-démographiques et liées au travail avaient été colligées auprès de 95 brûlés adultes en 2001. Soixante dix huit d’entre eux étaient encore susceptibles de participer à l’étude en 2013, et 34 d’entre eux ont accepté de la faire. Ils étaient âgés de 53,4+/-9,4 ans, avaient été brûlés sur 17,8+/-12,7 % dont 4,4+/-5,1 % de profond. En 2001, ils considéraient que leur santé était atteinte mais les données de qualité de vie étaient comparables à celles de la population norvégienne. En particulier, les patients étaient satisfaits des relations avec leurs proches. Onze ans et demi plus tard, leur perception de leur santé, via les échelles spécifique aux brûlés comme générale, était inchangée quand l’amélioration de leur qualité de vie était significative (score QOL 77,2+/-10,2 VS 73,1+/- 12,1 ; p=0,03), les améliorations les plus nettes concernant leur capacité à aider autrui, le travail, l’activité physique de loisir et l’indépendance. Ce résultats indiquent que la perception de santé reste inchangée après les premières années suivant la brûlure quand l’amélioration de la qualité de vie 16,2 ans après suggère un processus évoluant sur le long terme.

Keywords: burns; health; outcome; quality of life.

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Figures

Table I
Table I. Participant characteristics
Table II
Table II. Burn-specific health status (BSHS-N)
Table III
Table III. Generic health status (SF-36)
Table IV
Table IV. Overall quality of life (QOLS)
Table V
Table V. Relationship between burn injury characteristics and patient reported health and quality of life
Table VI
Table VI. The effect of work status on health and quality of life
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