Quality of Life Outcomes of Military Burn Patients

Background: There is limited research examining quality of life (QOL) among burn survivors during post-hospitalization rehabilitation. The Roy Adaptation Model guided the research.

Methods: A prospective, repeated measures design examined QOL in 77 burn survivors from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. A paired t-test compared data from burn unit discharge (DC) and 3 months post-DC. These data are part of a larger study following participants 18 months post-DC. Participants completed the Abbreviated Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS-A) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).

Results: Most participants were men (99%), with a mean age of 25.5, who were Caucasian (69%), single (47%). and possessed a high school education (55%). Most were in the Army (74%) and had been in the military for 3.5-5 years. Most were victims of improvised explosive devices (53%) with thermal burns (97%); mean total body surface area burned was 24.24%. Paired t-test findings demonstrated SWLS scores did not change over 3 months post-DC and participants were satisfied with their lives overall. The BSHS-A total score was significantly correlated with the SWLS at DC and 3 months and the total BSHS-A score and several subscales of the BSHS-A significantly improved over 3 months.

Discussion & Implications: Discharge from the burn unit marks the beginning of a lengthy adjustment process for service members with burn injuries. Improvements in perceived physical and role function occur during the first 3 months post burn unit discharge; however, burn patients should be followed longitudinally to better understand rehabilitation QOL.