Calidad de vida de los cuidadores informales de pacientes oncológicos de un Hospital de Guayaquil.

Abstract

The quality of life of informal caregivers is a determining factor for their wellbeing and the care they provide to cancer patients, since it involves physical, emotional, and economic demands that generate overload and exhaustion. Objective: To determine the quality of life of informal caregivers of cancer patients in a hospital in the city of Guayaquil. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, prospective, and cross-sectional study. Population and sample: 200 informal caregivers of cancer patients treated during the months of June and July 2025. Technique: Survey. Instrument: WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Results: The age group from 30 to 60 years predominated (64%), female sex (72%), common-law marriage status (48%), dependent occupation (40%), urban origin (72%), and secondary education (46%). They worked full-time (70%) and had between 1 and 2 years in this work (28%). In the physical dimension, they reported limitations in their mobility (42%) and impact on their daily activities (38%). In the psychological dimension, they reported security and confidence in daily life (42%) and personal satisfaction and self-esteem (40%). In the social relationships and environment dimension, they reported a healthy perception of the physical environment (36%), the availability of information (36%), and access to healthcare (36%). Conclusion: The quality of life of informal caregivers reflects a fragile balance between positive aspects such as a sense of purpose and limitations linked to physical, emotional, and economic exhaustion, which highlights the need for comprehensive support programs that strengthen their well-being and the quality of care provided.