Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas del cuidador informal de pacientes con tratamiento de quimioterapia que acuden al Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo, octubre 2023 a marzo 2024.

Abstract

Chemotherapy is a complex treatment that requires adequate care by caregivers, and understanding their knowledge, attitudes and practices is essential to improve the quality of care provided. Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the informal caregiver of patients with chemotherapy treatment attending the Hospital de Especialidades Teodoro Maldonado Carbo. October 2023 to March 2024. Methodology: A descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out. The instrument used was the KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices). Population and Sample: 100 informal caregivers. The sample consisted of the same 100 informal caregivers, selected by convenience. Results: Sociodemographic characteristics showed that 56% were male and 44% were female. In addition, 34% were under 30 years of age. Regarding marital status, 67% were single. Regarding educational level, 56% had completed secondary education, with economic income, 52% less than the basic salary. Regarding the knowledge of informal caregivers, 87% of the participants obtained a score considered as good. Regarding attitudes, 89% showed a positive attitude towards their role. In relation to the practices of informal caregivers, 91% exhibited adequate practices in the care of patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. Conclusion: The findings suggest that informal caregivers of chemotherapy patients in Guayaquil have a good level of knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices in caring for patients.