Loneliness and Mental Health Risks of Older People Living Alone in the Community: Cross-Sectional Study Protocol

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.