Scar Status, Depression, Sleep, and Health Related Quality of Life Following Severe Burn Injury: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract

Purpose: Severe burn injuries require long periods of hospitalization and treatment, which results in various physical and psychological issues. The main purpose of this study was to identify burn characteristics and psychological problems that influence Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) after discharge. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study using mobile/web or paper-based survey methods was conducted from a major burn center. A total of 145 patients completed the scar assessment, quality of life, sleep disorders, and depression scales. Results: The overall mean HRQoL and scar status scores were 2.28 out of 5 and 34.45 out of 60 points, respectively. Participants with higher burn degree, joint involvement, and emotional distress reported significantly lower HRQoL and scar status. Participants with depression and sleep problems also had lower HRQoL. Significant predictors of HRQoL included burn range, scar status, depression, and sleep issues. Conclusion: The results show that patients with severe burn injury experience high levels of physical and psychological problems. Patients with severe burn injury and psychological problems such as depression and sleep are likely to experience a reduced HRQoL. Psychological management and intervention in home care setting may improve HRQoL of burn patients.