Factors Associated with the Need for Support Among Informal Caregivers During Prolonged Hospitalization

Background/Objectives: Prolonged hospitalization affects not only patients but also informal caregivers, who often bear a greater physical and emotional burden. The aim of this study was to analyze the burden, emotional well-being, perceived social support and family functioning among informal caregivers of patients undergoing prolonged hospitalization, as well as to identify the factors associated with the need for support. Methods: A descriptive-correlational cross-sectional study was conducted involving 94 informal caregivers of patients who had been hospitalized for seven days or more. Sociodemographic and care-related variables were collected, along with measures of caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview), emotional well-being (GHQ-12), and perceived social (Duke-UNC-11) and family support (Family APGAR). Caregivers who reported needing support were compared with those who did not. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with the need for support. Results: Caregivers who reported needing support exhibited higher levels of caregiver burden (p = 0.034), poorer emotional well-being (p = 0.010), lower perceived social support (p = 0.014) and poorer family functioning (p < 0.001) than those who did not require support. Significant differences were also observed in the distance between home and the hospital (p = 0.041) and in the length of the hospital stay (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that family functioning (OR = 0.749) and length of hospital stay (OR = 1.523) were independently associated with the need for support. Conclusions: Poorer family functioning and a longer hospital stay were associated with a greater need for support among caregivers. Early identification of these factors can help in the design of interventions aimed at improving caregivers’ well-being while their relatives are in hospital.