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Factors Associated with the Need for Support Among Informal Caregivers During Prolonged Hospitalization
Carolina Pérez-Corraliza1, María Yolanda Castaño-Blanco2, José Manuel Romero-Perea3
1Department of Nursing, University Center of Merida, University of Extremadura, 06800 Merida, Spain.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Informal caregivers of hospitalized patients experience significant burden. Poorer family functioning and longer hospital stays are linked to a greater need for support, highlighting the importance of timely interventions.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Prolonged hospitalization imposes substantial physical and emotional burdens on informal caregivers.
- Caregiver well-being is critical, yet often overlooked during extended patient hospital stays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze caregiver burden, emotional well-being, social support, and family functioning.
- To identify factors associated with the need for support among informal caregivers of hospitalized patients.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study involving 94 informal caregivers.
- Utilized validated instruments: Zarit Burden Interview, GHQ-12, Duke-UNC-11, and Family APGAR.
- Employed binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with the need for support.
Main Results:
- Caregivers needing support reported higher burden, poorer emotional well-being, lower social support, and worse family functioning.
- Longer hospital stays and poorer family functioning were independently associated with an increased need for support.
- Significant differences were found in distance to hospital and length of stay.
Conclusions:
- Family functioning and length of hospital stay are key predictors of caregiver support needs.
- Early identification of these factors can guide interventions to enhance caregiver well-being.
- Addressing caregiver needs is essential for holistic patient care during prolonged hospitalizations.
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