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.

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.

Introduction: Caring for a dependent individual, particularly over an extended period, places significant strain on family caregivers, often leading to adverse physical, mental, emotional, social, and economic outcomes for both caregivers and those they care for. Common challenges include anxiety, depression, loneliness, and diminished overall well-being. E-health applications have emerged as effective tools to support family caregivers by promoting positive mental health through online interventions, enhancing problem-solving skills, autonomy, interpersonal relationships, self-control, and a prosocial attitude. Methods: This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Spanish “Program to Promote Positive Mental Health through the Cuidadoras Crónicos Manual” into the Portuguese context, supporting its implementation as a smartphone application. The process involved translation, back-translation by two native experts, and refinement through a focus group with eight participants. The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Results: The translation and back-translation processes identified several adjustments, which informed discussions in the focus group. Three key themes emerged: (i) conceptual and semantic equivalence, (ii) optimisation of content, and (iii) relevance and timeliness of the manual. Conclusions: The Spanish manual for promoting positive mental health among family caregivers was successfully translated and culturally adapted into European Portuguese. Validated through expert input, this marks the first version of the manual tailored to Portuguese caregivers, using Positive Mental Health models to support caregivers of individuals with chronic conditions.

Introduction: The available knowledge regarding the issue of Family Caregivers is consensual in recognizing that providing care to a dependent person, especially for an extended period, involves significant strain, with consequences for the caregivers’ health. The exhaustion of dealing with various tasks and responsibilities can lead to states of anxiety, depression, panic, and loneliness which will ultimately impact the physical, mental, emotional, social, and economic aspects not only of Family Caregivers but also of the person being cared for. E-health applications are an effective intervention in helping family carers that emerged to promote positive mental health among those who took care of chronic patients by empowering them and, consequently, by achieving an enhancement in their biopsychosocial health status through online interventions for positive mental health. This increase in Positive Mental Health (MH+) will have effect impact on problem-solving skills, autonomy, personal satisfaction, interpersonal relationships, self-control, and prosocial attitude. Methods: This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Spanish version of the “Program to Promote Positive Mental Health through ´Cuidadoras Crónicos manual” into the Portuguese context, this manual will support an telephone app. The translation and back-translation process was carried out by two native experts and, secondly, through a Focus Group with 8 participants. In addition, this study respected the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Results: From the translation and back translation process emerged several changes that were taken into account for the Focus group (FG) session. Additionally, the following thematic emerged concerning FG 3: (i) theme 1- conceptual and semantic equivalence; (ii) theme 2 – optimization of content; (iii) theme 3 - relevance and timeliness of the manual. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the manual to promote positive mental health in family caregivers was translated and culturally adapted into European Portuguese and subsequently validated by experts in a Focus Group approach. This is the first version of the manual for the Portuguese context that uses SM+ models aimed at caregivers of people with chronic diseases