ObjectiveTo analyse the factors related to suffering in chronic patients within the hospital context. MethodDescriptive-correlational and cross-sectional quantitative study. Conducted in a hospital in central Portugal, between January and June 2013. A convenience sample of 307 chronic patients was selected. The variables collected through the questionnaire were: age, sex, marital status, employment status, monthly income, perception of family functioning (Smilkinstein), clinical pathology, spirituality (Pinto and Pais-Ribeiro) and degree of suffering (McIntyre and Gameiro). The project was approved by the hospital's ethics committee. The participants signed an informed consent form. ResultsThe global suffering of chronic patients studied at the hospital level is moderate (M=3.01), on a scale of 1 to 5, with the psychological dimension being the most affected (M=3.18). Elderly patients suffer more physically and have more positive experiences. Women present greater socio-relational and psychological suffering. On the other hand, people who live alone, with a monthly income of less than 300 euros, with a low level of education, with the perception of belonging to a dysfunctional family and with neurological pathology, suffer the most. Multiple linear regression showed that spirituality is significantly inversely correlated with suffering. Beliefs are responsible for 6.0% of the explained variance of suffering and hope / optimism for 3.3%. ConclusionsPeople with chronic hospitalized diseases experience multidimensional suffering, with variable intensity and that is correlated with several factors. These variables must be considered for correct planning of health care for this population adapted to their specific needs.