Social interactions and social activities after burn injury

Abstract

Social interactions and activities are key components of social recovery following burn injuries. The objective of this study is to determine the predictors of these areas of social recovery.This study provides a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of adult burn survivors. The Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation-192 was administered to 601 burn survivors for the field-testing of the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation Profile. Survivors aged 18 years and older with injuries ≥5% total body surface area or burns to critical areas (hands, feet, face, or genitals) were eligible to participate. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine predictors of the Social Activities and Social Interactions scale scores.A total of 599 people completed the Social Interactions and Social Activities scales. Of these, 77% identified as White Non-Hispanic, 55% were female, 55% were unmarried, and 80% had burns to critical areas. Participants had a mean age of 45 years, a mean time since burn injury of 15 years, and a mean burn size of 41% total body surface area. Younger age (p<0.01) and being married/living with a significant other (p≤0.01) were associated with higher Social Activities and Social Interactions scale scores. Individual item responses reveal that survivors had lower scores on items related to participating in outdoor activities (30.4%) or feeling uncomfortable with their appearance (32.4% report dressing to avoid stares).Social interactions and activities are long-term challenges for burn survivors. It is important for clinicians to identify patients who may struggle with social recovery in order to focus on future community based interventions.