Injury Pattern Analysis to Optimize Burn Injury Prevention in the Unhoused Community.

This article examines burn injuries among unhoused adults admitted to an urban regional burn center from 2019 to 2022, focusing on specific circumstances and behaviors contributing to these injuries to inform prevention efforts. Among 254 admissions, 69.7% of burns were accidental, frequently occurring during activities involving accelerants (e.g., gasoline, lighters), cooking, smoking, bonfires, and candle use in confined spaces; 64.4% of patients tested positive for stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamines on admission. The study highlights that stimulant use and unsafe handling of accelerants are significant factors associated with burn injuries in this population, suggesting that interventions targeting stimulant dependence and education on safe fire-related practices may reduce burn incidence. Seasonal variations in admissions were observed but not clearly explained by weather or housing availability. The findings emphasize the need for tailored injury prevention strategies and broader housing support to address the root causes of burn injuries among unhoused individuals.