ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SELF ESTEEM, SELF CARE AND TYPE OF BURN INJURY AMONG BURN PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Burn injuries in Pakistan are a significant public health concern but have received limited research attention. According to the 2010 Global Burden of Disease report, the average mortality rate from injuries was 5.8 per 100,000 people in Pakistan. Burn victims often experience a range of psychological symptoms, from moderate issues such as fear, distress, and low self-confidence, to more severe conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Objectives: To assess level of self-esteem and determine level of self-care among burn patients.

Method: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in two public hospitals in Lahore, Punjab, involving 134 patients selected through purposive sampling. Individuals with mental illness, comorbidities, or a history of psychotherapy were excluded. Data were collected using Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and the Functional Assessment for Burns (FAB). Analysis was performed using SPSS-27, with results presented through graphs and frequency tables. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between categorical variables, while Spearman’s rank correlation evaluated relationships among continuous variables.

Results: Most burn patients were female (53.7%), single (53.7%), and from rural areas (51.5%). Nearly half (48.5%) were illiterate, based on their education level, while 63.4% were employed. Most participants (83.6%) fell under the moderate self-esteem category, and 46.3% fell under the low self-care category. The study found a negative correlation between burn severity and self-care scores (p = 0.000), while a positive correlation was observed between self-esteem and self-care (p = 0.046).

Conclusion: Most participants had moderate self-esteem and low self-care levels. Furthermore, patients with second-degree burns and low self-esteem exhibited poor self-care abilities. However, they demonstrated independence in various activities, such as signing their names and eating. It is recommended that psychological and educational interventions be implemented to enhance self-care practices and improve self-esteem.