Irrational thinking and its predictors among burn patients

Paper in proceeding, 2018

Background
Burn injuries are most certainly stressful events, particularly when permanent disfigurement is a result. This situation can lead to the onset of irrational beliefs which can in turn lead to long-term psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, posttraumatic stress, etc.

The objective of this study is to determinate predictors of irrational beliefs among burn patients in Iran.
Method
This cross-sectional study was carried out on a total of 329 burn patients. In order to assess irrational beliefs, Scale for Irrational Thoughts after Burning (SITB) was used. To identify predictors of irrational thoughts, both bivariate and multivariate analysis method were conducted. In multivariate linear regression, forward strategy was used for building the model. Preliminary variable selection for model design was based on a p<0.2 and final decision for keeping the variables in the model was based on a p<0.05.
Results
The results of bivariate analysis showed that body burned location (body parts generally exposed in social environment or parts culturally perceived as sensitive areas of body), marital status, urbanities, age group, geographical areas, etiology of burning and intent of injury had significant relationships with irrational thoughts. (p<0.05) Using forward linear regression, gender, marital status, geographical areas, etiology of burning, body burned location (body parts generally exposed in social environment or parts culturally perceived as sensitive areas of body), and intent of injury were significant predictors of the SITB. The models predicted 15.5 percent (p<0.001) of irrational thoughts.
Conclusion
Considering to irrational thoughts and development of facilities for screening is necessary. Moreover, consultation with mental health experts after burn injuries is highly recommended.