Socio-structural determinants of burn injuries in Africa: The role of social inequality, informal housing, and access to clean cooking energy technology

Abstract

In many African countries, burn injuries often lead to chronic disability, psychological trauma and socio-economic hardship. These consequences have a long-term impact on people’s well-being and livelihoods. It is argued that the contributions of selected socio-structural determinants to burns are an important focus especially for population prevention measures. Therefore, this study examines the contribution of key socio-structural determinants to the non-fatal burden of burn injuries in Africa, with a focus on social inequality, informal housing and access to clean cooking energy technologies. The study applies the panel correlated standard errors regression, ordinary least squares regression with robust standard errors with adjusted predictions and marginal effects plots, and the least squares dummy variables analysis using panel data of all five regions of Africa for the period 2000–2022. The study finds that social inequality and informal housing exacerbate the burden of burn injuries in Africa. Conversely, access to clean cooking energy technology reduces this burden. The findings are confirmed by robustness checks. In this regard, the study recommends policies that lower structural inequities to reduce the risk of burns for vulnerable populations. This involves concretizing strategies to reduce poverty and providing more appropriately targeted social safety nets. There is also a need for region-specific strategies that tackle inequality, improve energy accessibility, and enhance housing conditions as a means of mitigating burn-related hazards across Africa.