Factors related to academic performance of thermally injured children

The academic performance of children ages 6-17 who suffered burn injury between 1981 and 1985 was studied by use of a pre-post comparison design. Academic performance of the group showed an overall improvement in grade point average (GPA) from a mean 2.44 preburn to 2.66 postburn. The GPA of 28 children (57%) improved, 14 (29%) decreased, and 7 (14%) had no change. Multiple regression analyses of various psychosocial and clinical parameters showed postburn GPAs to be dependent on preburn GPA, degree of interaction with adults, relative level of quietness, relative proneness to fatigue, amount of playfulness with peers, and amount of visible scarring. Adjusted R value of the regression was .440. Contrary to popular expectation, the academic performance of the majority of these burned children did not deteriorate following burn injury and, in many cases, academic performance improved. Preburn psychosocial traits and postburn coping skills are both reflective of social/school adjustments.