24 Geospatial Localization of Adult Burn Injuries and Associated Housing Factors in a Major Urban Metropolis

• Published in: Journal of burn care & research Vol. 41; no. Supplement_1; pp. S18 - S19
• Main Authors: Chandramouli, Mathangi A, Mount, Lauren, Winchell, Robert, Chang, Philip
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 03-03-2020
• ISSN: 1559-047X; 1559-0488
• DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/iraa024.028

Abstract
Introduction
According to the National Burn Repository, almost 75% of all burns occur at the burn victim’s home. The modern urban metroplex is a diverse ecosystem made up of varied socioeconomic backgrounds often housed under heterogenous living conditions. We sought to better understand the relationship between location of injury and socioeconomic factors using geospatial mapping for this patient population.
Methods
Injury Zip Code Data was obtained from the electronic medical record of an ABA verified Burn Center serving a major urban metropolis from 2016–2018. Data was also obtained from this city’s OpenData database and included housing vacate list data from the fire department of this city, fire department dispatch data, fire department firehouse listing, fire department active order violation, and housing maintenance code complaints. ArcGIS software was used to create and analyze hotspot maps (p< 0.05).
Results
GIS analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between number of burns (NB) and firehouse density per zip code in sparsely distributed patches around NYC (Fig. 1) (p< 0.05). Notably, there is a statistically significant relationship between NB and fire dispatch volume as well as a large cluster of statistically significant area with respect to NB and housing active code violations in the two most populous districts (Fig 2 and 3) (p< 0.01).
Conclusions
Certain housing factors such as building code violations relate to burn volume in certain areas. It is also noted that increased firehouse density and fire dispatch volume are associated a larger volume of burn occurrences. Further analysis of different housing and social factors are is anticipated.
Applicability of Research to Practice
Burn outreach efforts are tailored towards our unique population. Having a better understanding of the population and localizing areas with increased burn injuries along with the potential social factors can help direct future outreach and prevention efforts.