Treatment outcome and associated factors of burn injury in Ethiopian hospitals: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Burn injuries impose a substantial burden globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia, where the impact is pronounced. Despite existing studies on individual patient data, there 's a lack of synthesized evidence on burn injury mortality in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the combined prevalence of burn-related mortality and its determinants in Ethiopian hospitals. Methods A systematic search of various databases yielded 11 relevant studies, which were included in the analysis. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted using Microsoft Excel 2021 and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 17 software. Result The pooled mortality rate among burn patients in Ethiopian hospitals was determined to be 6.99% (95% CI: 4.8, 9.41). Factors significantly associated with mortality included inadequate resuscitation (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 3.73, 95% CI: 1.31, 10.58), pre-existing illness (AOR: 5.26, 95% CI: 2.12, 13.07), age <5 or >60 (AOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.45, 3.40), and burn injury >20% total body surface area (AOR: 5.17, 95% CI: 2.47, 10.80). Conclusion The findings underscore a notably high prevalence of burn-related mortality in Ethiopia, with inadequate fluid resuscitation, pre-existing illness, extreme age, and the extent of injury identified as key determinants. Collaboration among healthcare stakeholders and policymakers is imperative to improve burn care services and mitigate the impact of these injuries. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023494159), providing a comprehensive overview of burn injury mortality in Ethiopia. Lay Summary Burn injuries are a significant health concern globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. Despite the existing studies on burn injuries, there's a lack of synthesized evidence on burn injury mortality in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the combined prevalence of burn-related mortality and its determinants in Ethiopian hospitals. The study systematically reviewed 11 relevant studies and conducted a meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of burn injury mortality and associated factors. The pooled mortality rate among burn patients in Ethiopian hospitals was found to be 6.99%. Factors significantly associated with mortality included inadequate resuscitation, pre-existing illness, age <5 or >60, and burn injury >20% total body surface area. The findings underscore a notably high prevalence of burn-related mortality in Ethiopia, highlighting the need for comprehensive and effective treatment approaches. Inadequate fluid resuscitation, pre-existing illness, extreme age, and the extent of injury were identified as key determinants of mortality. Addressing these factors is crucial for improving burn care outcomes and reducing the burden of burn injuries in Ethiopian hospitals. This study provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers working towards improving burn injury outcomes in Ethiopia. By understanding the factors influencing treatment outcomes, healthcare stakeholders can refine treatment protocols, enhance resource allocation, and implement preventive measures to reduce the burden of burn injuries in Ethiopian hospitals.