Demographic and clinical predictors of suspected abuse in genital burn injuries: a national database study

Abstract Genital burn injuries raise concerns about potential abuse. Understanding the demographics of this patient population is critical for planning patient care. This study determines the demographic predictors of suspected abuse in genital burn injuries using a national database. A retrospective review was conducted using the Burn Care Quality Platform data from 2013 to 2022. Genital burn patients suspected of abuse were identified, and demographics, burn characteristics, and clinical data were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with suspected abuse. Of the 3833 genital burn patients with available data on suspected abuse, 258 (6.7%) were identified as suspected abuse victims. Younger age (OR = 0.927 per year, 95% CI, 0.894-0.961, P .001) was protective, and Black patients had higher odds of suspected abuse compared to White patients (OR = 2.10, 95% CI, 1.35-3.27, P = .001). Living in skilled nursing facilities (OR = 285.91, 95% CI, 11.36-7198.82, P = .001), homelessness (OR = 62.48, 95% CI, 15.11-258.43, P .001), and adult group homes (OR = 51.29, 95% CI, 6.25-421.07, P .001) were strongly associated with abuse. Mental/personality disorders (OR = 11.03, 95% CI, 2.97-40.94, P .001) and dementia (OR = 7.18, 95% CI, 1.19-43.18, P = .031) increased odds. Contact burns had higher odds compared to scalds (OR = 3.27, 95% CI, 1.04-10.26, P = .042), but the impact of TBSA varied by burn type, with larger flame burns less likely associated with abuse than scalds (OR = 0.963, 95% CI, 0.939-0.989, P = .005). This study provides valuable insight into demographic characteristics associated with suspected abuse in genital burns. The identification of these patients early on will allow proper treatment and discharge planning.