Table 4 Key and significant findings associated with frostbite-related injury
Authors, year, country | Main findings |
|---|---|
Ervasti et al., 2004, Finland | â–ª This cross-sectional study had a sample size of 5893 â–ª The lifetime occurrence of frostbite in the population was 44%, with a high occurrence among young and healthy individuals â–ª Smoking was found to be associated with frostbite injury |
Ghumman et al., 2019, Canada | â–ª 22 patient cases were included in this retrospective case-series â–ª Out of the total 22 patients, 4 patients (18%) required amputation due to frostbite injury â–ª Almost half of the patients (45.5%) were intoxicated (alcohol/drugs) during the time of injury â–ª Psychiatric illness (40.9%) was reported among 9 of the patients at the time of the injury |
Hanko et al., 2022, USA | â–ª 41 patient cases were included in this retrospective case-series â–ª The characteristics of the 41 subjects with frostbite injury were as follows: male (70%), homeless (39%), and substance use diagnosis (51.2%) â–ª Frostbite vulnerability was heightened by such risk factors as intoxication, psychosis-impaired judgment, and homelessness |
Harirchi et al., 2005, Iran | â–ª This cross-sectional study had a sample size of 637 mountaineers â–ª Out of the 637 mountaineers, 467 (73%) reported incidents of frostbite during the preceding 2 years â–ª 56% of the frostbite injuries were attributed to the inappropriate wearing of equipment (OR 14.3) â–ª Other major determinants of frostbite injury were inappropriate clothing, wet clothing, and lack of knowledge about dealing with cold and severe cold weather |
Lehmuskallio et al., 1995, Finland | â–ª This prospective case-control study had a sample size of 913 â–ª Risk factors for frostbite included not wearing proper winter apparel, being transported in open vehicles, applying emollients to the face and ear, being sensitive to the cold, and having hands and feet sweat profusely. |
Makinen et al., 2009, Finland | â–ª This cross-sectional study had a sample size of 13,713 â–ª Alcohol consumption, whether heavy or light, was associated with an increase in frostbite injury risk â–ª Respondents who had often felt depressed (psychiatric illness) showed a 2-3x higher OR for severe frostbite injury than those who did not |
Masood et al., 2008, Pakistan | â–ª This cross-sectional study had a sample size of 130 â–ª There was a significant relationship between lack of proper equipment or lack of knowledge and frostbite injury â–ª Defective snow gloves and high-altitude clothing led to 23.8% soldiers frostbite cases |