Falls in older people are a result of a combination of multiple risk factors. There are few studies involving predictive models in a community context. The aim of this study was to determine the validation of a new model for predicting fall risk in older adults (65+) living alone in community dwellings (n = 186; n = 117) with a test–retest reliability study. We consider in the predictive model the significant factors emerged from the bivariate analysis: age, zone, social community resources, physical exercise, self-perception of health, difficulty to keep standing, difficulty to sit and get up from a chair, strain to see, use of technical devices, hypertension and number of medications. The final model explained 28.5% of the risk of falling in older adults living alone in community dwellings. The AUC = 0.660 (se = 0.065, IC 95% 0.533–0.787, p = 0.017). The predictive model developed revealed a satisfactory discriminatory performance of the model and can contribute to clinical practice, with respect to the evaluation of risk of falling in this frailty group and preventing falls.

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: 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.

Objective: This study aimed to create and evaluate the acceptability of a logo which represents the Positive Mental Health Promotion Program for family caregivers. Method: A descriptive and exploratory study was conducted using a literature review for theoretically conceptualizing a logo and a designer for its graphic representation. The logo’s acceptability was subsequently evaluated by a group of experts (focus group). Eight experts with expertise in mental health and/or informal care participated in the study. A focus group session was held between December 2023 and March 2024. Data analysis and processing was performed based on thematic analysis. The study complied with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Results/Conclusion: The experts considered it necessary to improve the graphic representation of the logo so that it reflects the transition process experienced by family caregivers and translates promotion of positive mental health. Different improvement strategies were identified, which should be integrated into the main research with a view to improving the gamification system, and thereby increase the acceptability and adherence of family caregivers.