University students are at increased risk of developing burnout and psychological distress from high academic workloads and performance expectations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between psychological and lifestyle variables and academic burnout, as well as to identify burnout risk profiles in psychology students. This study used a cross-sectional design and included 274 Portuguese psychology students, the majority being undergraduates (72.6%). Participants were assessed on psychological well-being, psychological distress, difficulties in emotional regulation, type of diet, physical activity, sleep quality, and burnout. The results showed that psychological distress, difficulties in emotional regulation, and sleep quality were positively associated with burnout, while psychological well-being was negatively associated. Using machine learning algorithms, two distinct profiles were found: “Burnout Risk” and “No Risk”. A total of 62 participants were identified as belonging to the burnout risk profile, showing higher levels of distress, emotional regulation difficulties, poor psychological well-being and sleep quality, pro-inflammatory diet, and less physical activity. The accuracy of the three machine learning models—Random Forest, XGBoost, and Support Vector Machine—was 95.06%, 93.82%, and 97.53%, respectively. These results suggest the importance of health promotion within university settings, together with mental health strategies focused on adaptive psychological functioning, to prevent the risk of burnout.

Background: Population ageing has increased the number of older adults living in nursing homes, where loneliness and sleep disturbances are prevalent and negatively affect well-being. Evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between loneliness and sleep quality, although research in institutionalised populations remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to characterise the sociodemographic and health profile of nursing home residents in Northern Portugal and examine associations between sleep quality, loneliness, sociodemographic and health variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 157 older adults (≥65 years) across 13 nursing homes. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Portuguese version of UCLA Loneliness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Pearson correlations and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: Participants were predominantly female (72.6%), widowed (55.4%), and aged ≥80 years. Most reported chronic conditions (98.7%) and limitations in activities of daily living (75.2%). Age showed modest positive correlations with loneliness. Loneliness dimensions were strongly associated with poorer sleep quality and greater daytime dysfunction. Hierarchical regression revealed that sociodemographic variables explained only a small proportion of variance in sleep quality. The addition of loneliness variables increased explained variance to 38.1%, highlighting loneliness as a key psychosocial predictor. Conclusions: Loneliness significantly influences sleep quality among older adults living in nursing homes. Interventions should integrate strategies to enhance social engagement alongside sleep hygiene measures. Longitudinal studies are recommended to clarify causal pathways.

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of the general population, particularly older adults. This study aimed to explore the association between loneliness and mental health disorders in this demographic during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Portugal using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) database between June and August 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic (Wave 8 COVID-19 Survey), using computer-assisted telephone interviews. Results: The final sample included 836 participants, with 387 (46.4%) men and a mean age of 74.5 years (SD = 6.7). Mental health indicators revealed that 441 (52.1%) reported feelings of nervousness, 384 (45.3%) experienced sadness or depression, 349 (41.2%) encountered sleeping difficulties, and 280 (33.1%) reported experiencing loneliness often or some of the time. Increased feelings of loneliness were notably associated with women in poorer health, those with heightened fear of falling, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and concurrent health and sleep issues. Age and medication use did not significantly impact feelings of loneliness. Conclusions: The findings highlight a potential association between adverse mental health outcomes among older adults during the initial phase of the pandemic. Future research, employing longitudinal research designs, is warranted to explore these relationships more rigorously, in a post-pandemic context, and to inform effective intervention development and strategies to prevent mental health problems within this vulnerable population.

Background/Objectives: In Portugal, evidence regarding the mental health of institutionalized older people is limited, leaving this area poorly described and the mental health needs of this population largely unknown. This research aims to describe the mental health of older persons residing in nursing homes in Northern Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional study will be conducted. We estimate that 567 participants will be recruited through convenience sampling. Potential participants must live in nursing homes in Northern Portugal, be aged 65 years or older, and exhibit cognitive impairment at an initial or intermediate stage. Ten web survey questionnaires will be administered to the participants, including one sociodemographic and health questionnaire and nine mental health assessment instruments evaluating fear of falling; sleep quality; frailty; anxiety, depression, and stress; loneliness and social isolation; risk of acute confusion; cognition; emotional literacy; and perceived hope. Data will be analyzed by employing descriptive, cluster, inferential, and bivariate analyses, with multiple regression models included. The study and the research protocol were submitted to and approved by the Ethics Committee of a major public university in Northern Portugal (CEICVS 007/2025). Expected Results: This is a pioneering study in Portugal, representing the first attempt to assess the mental health of older nursing home residents. Our study will enhance the understanding of the mental and multifactorial health needs of this population through a comprehensive description of their mental health, and sociodemographic and health characteristics.

Background/Objectives: Some available evidence indicates an exponential rise regarding the proportion of older adults residing alone worldwide, which is associated with potential health and social risks, particularly those linked to loneliness and other mental health risk factors. This research aims to: (i) describe the physical and mental health profile of older people (aged over 65 years) living alone in the community, (ii) to examine the associations among the variables encompassing their mental health profile, and (iii) to explore the association between mental health and sociodemographic and health characteristics of this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study will be carried out. Potential participants must live alone in the selected municipality and be aged 65 years or older. Participants will be recruited through convenience sampling. Eleven instruments will be administered to participants assessing sociodemographic and health characteristics; fear of falling; sleep quality; frailty; anxiety, depression, and stress; loneliness; cognitive status; emotional literacy; perceived hope; functionality; and perceived social support. Data will be analysed using descriptive, univariate, and bivariate statistical methods. The study and its protocol were reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of a major public university in Northern Portugal (CEICVS 067/2022). Expected Results: This study aims to assess the physical and mental health of older adults living alone in a selected municipality in Northern Portugal, an area where such comprehensive data remain scarce. By conducting this analysis, we intend to inform and support the development of a highly personalized, evidence-based action plan, ultimately contributing to the mitigation of mental risk factors in this population.

RESUMO Objetivo: O estudo teve como objetivo criar e avaliar a aceitabilidade de um logotipo que represente o Programa de Promoção da Saúde Mental Positiva para familiares cuidadores. Método: Foi conduzido um estudo descrito e exploratório, recorrendo à revisão da literatura para a conceptualização teórica do logotipo e a um designer para a respetiva representação gráfica. Posteriormente, procedeu-se à avaliação da aceitabilidade do logotipo por um grupo de peritos (focus group). Participaram no estudo 8 peritos com expertise em saúde mental e/ou no cuidado informal. Entre dezembro de 2023 e março de 2024 foi realizada uma sessão de focus group. A análise e tratamento dos dados foi efetuada com base na análise temática. O estudo respeitou o Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Resultados/Conclusão: Os peritos consideram necessário aprimorar a representação gráfica do logotipo para que este espelhe o processo de transição vivenciado pelos familiares cuidadores e traduza a promoção da saúde mental positiva. Diferentes estratégias de melhorias foram identificadas, as quais devem ser integradas na investigação principal tendo em vista melhorar o sistema de gamificação e, deste modo, aumentar a aceitabilidade e a adesão dos familiares cuidadores.