Prevalence of Depressive symptoms, Anxiety symptoms, disturbed Self Image and Role of Social Support in Burn Patients

Background: Burn injuries are defined as injuries caused by the application of heat, chemicals, electrical current or radiation to the external or internal surface of the body, which cause destruction of the tissue. Studying psychological outcomes of burns as depression, anxiety, PTSD and disturbed self-image is crucial for better understanding of the symptoms of existing psychological problems and for prediction of their upcoming, therefore better management, which in turn improves the quality of life of these patients. Aim: To assess (depressive, anxiety, post-traumatic stress) symptoms, disturbed self-image and role of social support in burn patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 burn patients who admitted at Burn centers in Hehia general hospital. All enrolled participants were subjected to a semi-structured interview, Structured Clinical Interview of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Self-image assessment scale, Multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) and The Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Results: The study found a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, disturbed self-image, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among burn patients. Severity of psychological impacts was associated with factors like being female, single marital status, living in urban areas, and higher total body surface area burned. Social support was generally high, especially among rural residents and those with higher degree burns. Conclusion: One of the most horrific experiences a person may have is burn injury , which have long-lasting effects on a person's physical and mental health.