Anxiety and quality of life in the female population due to confrontations between GDO Ansiedad y calidad de vida en población femenina por enfrentamientos entre GDO

Abstract

This study addresses the psychological impact faced by women living in northwest Guayaquil, an area marked by the constant presence of armed conflicts between criminal groups. This structural violence has had significant impacts on women's emotional stability, physical well-being, and perceptions of their social environment. The overall objective was to analyze the relationship between anxiety levels and quality of life in this vulnerable population. To this end, a quantitative approach was applied, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational design. The sample included 200 women, who were administered the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the WHOQOL-100 questionnaire, in addition to a sociodemographic survey. The results showed a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms, with 43% responding at moderate levels. Factors such as age, forced displacement, and social stigmatization were also identified as factors contributing to the deterioration of well-being. The negative correlations between anxiety and quality of life were statistically significant, especially in the physical and psychological domains. The study recommends implementing comprehensive psychosocial intervention strategies that consider the territorial context, community networks, and access to essential services.