Qualidade de vida de crianças hospitalizadas, resiliência e vivências de seus cuidadores

Abstract

Childhood hospitalization is a complex experience, with repercussions on the child's physical, emotional, and social well-being, as well as significantly impacting family dynamics and the emotional health of caregivers. This study aimed to analyze the association between the quality of life of hospitalized children and the resilience levels of their caregivers, as well as to understand the caregivers' experiences related to the childhood hospitalization process. This is a mixed-methods study, developed in the pediatric ward of the Palmas General Hospital, between September 2025 and March 2026. The quantitative phase included 79 hospitalized children, aged 5 to 7 years, and their respective caregivers. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0), the Adult Resilience Scale (ERA), and a sociodemographic questionnaire were applied. The qualitative phase consisted of 10 interviews guided by guiding questions with caregivers selected according to the highest and lowest levels of resilience. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, employing non parametric tests, Spearman correlation, and hierarchical linear regression, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic content analysis as proposed by Bardin. The results showed a significant association between children's quality of life and caregiver resilience, with the total PedsQL 4.0, score being the main predictor of parental resilience (β=1.07; 95% CI=0.659 1.539; p<0.001). A negative correlation was observed between length of hospital stay and caregiver resilience (ρ=-0.251; p=0.025), as well as a positive association between family income and resilience (ρ=0.302; p=0.009). Children hospitalized for external causes presented better quality of life scores compared to those hospitalized for chronic and metabolic diseases (p=0.005). In the qualitative analysis, categories emerged related to the emotional repercussions of hospitalization, coping strategies, spirituality, family support network, and relationship with the healthcare team. Data triangulation revealed that better indicators of children's quality of life were associated with higher levels of caregiver resilience and more positive coping experiences. It is concluded that better indicators of children's quality of life were associated with higher levels of caregiver resilience, highlighting the interdependence between the well being of the hospitalized child and the emotional health of the caregiver. The findings reinforce the need for humanized care practices, centered on the family and aimed at strengthening emotional support for caregivers in the context of childhood hospitalization.