The occurrence of frostbite and its risk factors in adolescents and young adults

Abstract

Objectives. Frostbite is very common in Finland. Over 60 % of persons will experience sustaining blister-degree or deeper frostbite injury with various sequelae. However, there is sparse research evidence regarding the occurrence of frostbite and related risk factors at population level. Concerning young people, even descriptive evidence is absent. Studies on hospital treated frostbites have been narrow in scope. This study aimed 1) to investigate the occurrence of frostbite in adolescents and young adults, 2) to explore frostbite related risk factors in these groups, and 3) to examine the association between frostbite and the thermal regions in Finland.

Keywords:

• frostbite
• epidemiology
• temperature
• questionnaire