Leonel Lusquinhos holds a PhD in Child Studies (2022) from the University of Minho and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (2005) from the Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Santa Maria. He is a researcher at Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR). Nursing School , and serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, in the Department of Child and Adolescent Nursing.
He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to multiple book chapters. Between 2020 and 2023, he served as Secretary of the Board of the Paediatric and Child Health Nursing College of the Portuguese Nursing Council (Ordem dos Enfermeiros). He has organised and participated in various academic and professional events.
His academic and professional work focuses on the field of Medical and Health Sciences, with particular emphasis on: Health Promotion and Education in School Settings; Child Health; Child Development; Pr
EDUCATION
PhD in Child Studies
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Pediatrics, Advanced and Specialized Nursing, Research and Theory, Nursing
9
Scopus Publications
63
Scholar Citations
5
Scholar h-index
2
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire for Adolescents (CD-Quest-T) in European Portuguese Ana Cristina Maia Rocha, Leonel Lusquinhos, Ana Lúcia da Silva João, Irismar Reis de Oliveira, Lara Manuela Guedes de Pinho Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2026 <h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Cognitive distortions are maladaptive thought patterns associated with emotional disorders during adolescence. Valid and culturally adapted instruments are needed to support adolescent mental health assessment and promotion in educational, primary care, clinical, and nursing settings. <h3>Objective</h3> This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the European Portuguese version of the Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire for Adolescents (CD-Quest-T) and examine its psychometric properties in a school-based adolescent sample. <h3>Methods</h3> A total of 851 adolescents aged 14 to 19 years completed the CD-Quest-T, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Translation and cultural adaptation followed International Test Commission guidelines. The sample was randomly split for exploratory factor analysis (EFA; <i>n</i> = 425) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; <i>n</i> = 426<i>)</i>. Internal consistency and convergent validity were examined. <h3>Results</h3> EFA supported a unidimensional structure, with the first factor explaining 54.58% of the variance. CFA indicated adequate model fit: χ<sup>2</sup>(20) = 31.69, <i>p</i> = .047, CFI = 0.931, TLI = 0.904, RMSEA = 0.037, and SRMR = 0.024. CFA standardized factor loadings ranged from 0.420 to 0.752. Internal consistency was good, with Cronbach's <i>α</i> = 0.87. Positive correlations with anxiety (<i>r</i> = 0.58, <i>p</i> < .001) and depression (<i>r</i> = 0.54, <i>p</i> < .001) supported convergent validity. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The European Portuguese CD-Quest-T demonstrated adequate psychometric properties and may support adolescent mental health screening, psychoeducation, referral, and nursing practice.
NURSING STUDENTS´ KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, UNDERSTANDING, AND AWARENESS REGARDING MPOX: SCOPING REVIEW Rui Guerreiro, Judite Constâncio, Almeida, Tiago, Leonel Lusquinhos Millenium Journal of Education Technologies and Health, 2026 Introdução: A Mpox (infeção pelo vírus Monkeypox) é uma doença infecciosa emergente que, após o surto de 2022, se tornou um desafio global de saúde pública. Os enfermeiros têm papel central na prevenção e gestão da doença; contudo, a preparação dos estudantes de enfermagem permanece pouco explorada. Objetivo: Mapear a evidência sobre conhecimento, educação, compreensão e conscientização dos estudantes de enfermagem relativamente à Mpox. Métodos: Revisão scoping conduzida segundo o Joanna Briggs Institute, concluída em setembro de 2025. A pesquisa incluiu bases de dados internacionais e literatura em português, inglês e espanhol. Resultados: Foram incluídos oito estudos publicados entre 2023 e 2025. Verificaram-se níveis de conhecimento variáveis e insuficientes. A compreensão revelou-se limitada e a conscientização instável, muitas vezes condicionada por fatores externos. Intervenções educativas, presenciais e digitais, mostraram melhorias consistentes em conhecimento, atitudes e preparação. Conclusão: A integração curricular de metodologias ativas e de literacia digital em saúde é essencial para consolidar conhecimento e preparar futuros enfermeiros para responder eficazmente a surtos de doenças infecciosas emergentes.
NURSING INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE HEALTH MANAGEMENT IN OLDER PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV: SCOPING REVIEW Guerreiro, Rui, Constâncio, Judite, Lusquinhos, Leonel Millenium Journal of Education Technologies and Health, 2025 Introdução: O número de pessoas idosas que vivem com VIH tem aumentado globalmente, o que impõe novos desafios aos sistemas de saúde, muitas vezes marcados por abordagens fragmentadas. As intervenções de enfermagem são estratégicas na promoção da gestão de saúde destas pessoas. Objetivo: Mapear a evidência sobre intervenções de enfermagem promotoras da gestão de saúde da pessoa idosa que vive com VIH. Métodos: Revisão scoping concluída em abril de 2025, desenvolvida segundo as recomendações preconizadas pelo Joanna Briggs Institute. A pesquisa foi realizada na CINAHL complete e MEDLINE complete. Foram considerados estudos primários e secundários que incluam intervenções promotoras da gestão de saúde da pessoa idosa que vive com VIH. Consideram-se estudos redigidos em português, inglês e espanhol; sem limite temporal. Resultados: Foram incluídos cinco artigos, publicados entre 2011 e 2019. As intervenções identificadas agruparam-se em três categorias: avaliação individualizada; capacitação para a autogestão e promoção da participação na tomada de decisão em saúde. Conclusão: Recomenda-se o desenvolvimento de intervenções individualizadas e estudos em contextos com recursos limitados, abrangendo todas as fases da infeção e representativas de todas as populações-chave.
NURSES´ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES REGARDING MPOX: SCOPING REVIEW Guerreiro, Rui, Constâncio, Judite, Lusquinhos, Leonel Millenium Journal of Education Technologies and Health, 2025 Introduction: Mpox, a re-emerging zoonotic disease, was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. Nurses play a key role in early detection, infection prevention and control, health education, and psychosocial sup-port. However, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding Mpox remain insufficiently consolidated. Objective: To map existing evidence on nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Mpox. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Searches were performed in Google Scholar, MEDLINE, B-On, ProQuest, and PubMed (September 2025). Eligible studies included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method designs, systematic reviews, and grey literature published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Study selection and data extraction were carried out independently by two reviewers. Results: Eight studies published between 2023 and 2025 were included. Nurses generally showed low-to-moderate levels of knowledge, with persistent gaps in understanding transmission routes and infection prevention measures. Attitudes towards Mpox management were consistently positive, reflecting willingness to learn and to adhere to preventive recommendations. In contrast, reported practices were uneven, largely shaped by limited resources, unclear protocols, and a lack of sustained institutional support. Conclusion: Nurses’ positive attitudes toward Mpox provide a strong foundation for outbreak preparedness. Nevertheless, knowledge gaps and systemic barriers hinder the consistent implementation of effective practices. Educational interventions, integration of emerg-ing diseases into nursing curricula, and sustained institutional support are essential to ensure safe care and strengthen resilience against future infectious disease outbreaks.
Observatório AlenRiscos – Prevention of the consumption of psychoactive substances among adolescents 3rd cycle Ana Maria Guégués da Silva Dias, Ermelinda do Carmo Valente Caldeira, Leonel Lusquinhos de Sousa Oliveira, Lara Manuela Guedes de Pinho, Jorge Manuel Azevedo dos Santos, et al. Revista Brasileira De Enfermagem, 2025 Objectives: to assess the prevalence and factors associated with psychoactive substance consumption among 7th and 9th grade students. Methods: an exploratory observational study, through the application of an online self-completion questionnaire, from 2016 to 2022, to 12,767 students. Results: tobacco, alcohol and drug consumption fluctuated, with alcohol being the most consumed substance by young people, followed by drugs and, lastly, tobacco. The study revealed a downward trend in tobacco and alcohol consumption among adolescents. There was a notable increase in glue, varnish and solvent consumption, which surpassed consumption cannabis/hashish consumption. Conclusions: initial substance consumption occurs predominantly in a social context and begins in early adolescence. The propensity to consume increases as students age, with higher consumption being noted among older adolescents.
Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Depressive Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis Bruno Morgado, Celso Silva, Inês Agostinho, Filipe Brás, Pedro Amaro, Leonel Lusquinhos, Maria Revés Silva, Cesar Fonseca, Núria Albacar-Riobóo, Lara Guedes de Pinho Healthcare Switzerland, 2024 The global ageing population faces rising depression rates due to social, economic, and health changes. Depression in older adults, often linked to isolation and health issues, requires comprehensive care. Psychotherapeutic interventions could be effective in reducing symptoms, offering personalized and holistic support. Particularly low-threshold interventions, such as those offered in community-dwelling older adults, which older adults can easily access and which may reduce stigma, promise to close the treatment gap. This review examines community-based psychotherapeutic interventions for older adults with depression. Methods: This review investigates psychotherapeutic interventions for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults in a community setting. RCTs were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. The following databases were searched: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MedicLatina, MEDLINE with Full Text, and the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Results: A meta-analysis of 13 studies with 1528 participants showed a medium, significant pooled effect size at post-intervention (Hedges’ g = −0.36, p < 0.001) and substantial heterogeneity. Follow-up analysis of studies indicated a small, non-significant effect (Hedges’ g = −0.17, p = 0.27). Group interventions, particularly the “reminiscence protocol”, had the largest significant effect. Discussion: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that in community-dwelling older adults’ group psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly the “reminiscence protocol” and “modified behavioral activation treatment” are most effective for reducing depressive symptoms. Individual psychotherapeutic interventions like “prevention of suicide in primary care elderly” and “behavioral activation” also show effectiveness, with group psychotherapeutic interventions being generally more effective than when these treatments are offered in individual psychotherapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Group and individual psychotherapeutic interventions reduce depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults, with group psychotherapeutic interventions being more effective.
Psychotherapeutic interventions for depressive symptoms in older adults in a community setting: a systematic review protocol Bruno Morgado, Celso Silva, Inês Agostinho, Filipe Brás, Pedro Amaro, Leonel Lusquinhos, Brooke C. Schneider, Cesar Fonseca, Núria Albacar-Riobóo, Lara Pinho Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2024 Depression is a prevalent illness among the elderly, so psychotherapeutic interventions are needed to promote health and quality of life. This literature review aims to identify trials of any psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms in older adults. A systematic literature review with a meta-analysis will be carried out. The following databases will be searched: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MedicLatina, MEDLINE with Full Text, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. To minimize bias, four reviewers will independently assess the inclusion of studies. The fifth reviewer will be responsible for disaggregating inclusion and exclusion between two authors. The results of the analysis will be grouped in a table with the characteristics of the included studies, including author, year, sample, objectives, methods, assessment instruments, psychotherapeutic interventions, results, follow-up and a data compilation scheme. This scientific article is a systematic review protocol for which the data has already been extracted and is being analyzed. Examples of possible strategies to include cognitive restructuring and mental health programs for older adults in community settings. With this clear and direct identification of psychotherapeutic interventions, it will be clearer for mental health professionals to be able to intervene effectively to promote the mental health and well-being of older adults.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023449190
Biopsychosocial Factors That Influence the Purpose in Life among Working Adults and Retirees Anabela Coelho, Manuel Lopes, Marta Barata, Sofia Sousa, Margarida Goes, Florbela Bia, Ana Dias, Ana João, Leonel Lusquinhos, Henrique Oliveira, Tânia Gaspar International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023 This study aimed to identify and characterize biopsychosocial factors that impact the purpose in life (PIL) among adults that are working or already retired. This cross-sectional study includes a sample of 1330 participants, of whom 62.2% were female, with ages ranging from 55 and 84 years, with a mean of 61.93 years and a standard deviation of 7.65. Results suggest that the education level, stress, spirituality (religion) and optimism, social support from friends, and quality of life related to physical health seem to contribute positively to the PIL for both groups. However, some variables such as age, marital status and environmental quality of life help explain the PIL of retired people and the quality of life related to social support helps explain the PIL of working adults. Overall, the reported findings suggest that the purpose in life is strongly related to physical, psychological, social and environmental health factors. It is highlighted that working adults and retired people have their purpose in life related to similar factors and others specific to each life stage, suggesting the need for crucial interventions to promote a healthier and more positive aging process.
Health education in portuguese schools: Guidelines from the health and education sectors Leonel Lusquinhos, Graça Carvalho Revista De Enfermagem Referencia, 2019 Portuguese national funds through the FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) within the framework of the CIEC (Research Center for Child Studies of the University of Minho) project under the reference UID/CED/00317/2019.
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Development-centred neonatal care: validation study of the patient safety checklist A Malveira, M Teles, L Lusquinhos, A Dias, S Oliveira, M Lopes Frontiers in Pediatrics 14, 1754878 , 2026 2026
Conhecimento, educação, compreensão e conscientização sobre Mpox dos estudantes de enfermagem: scoping review R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, T Almeida, L Lusquinhos Millenium-Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, e43376-e43376 , 2026 2026
Conhecimento e práticas dos enfermeiros na infeção por Mpox: revisão scoping R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, L Lusquinhos RevSALUS-Revista Científica Internacional da Rede Académica das Ciências da … , 2026 2026
3º Painel| Para estilos de vida mais saudáveis na criança e no jovem: políticas e intervenções L Lusquinhos Editor: ESEL–Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, 31 , 2026 2026
Nursing students´ knowledge, education, understanding, and awareness regarding Mpox: scoping review R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, T Almeida, L Lusquinhos Millenium, 10 , 2026 2026
Nurses´ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding Mpox: scoping review R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, L Lusquinhos Millenium-Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, e43559-e43559 , 2025 2025
Intervenções de enfermagem promotoras da gestão de saúde da pessoa idosa que vive com VIH: scoping review R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, L Lusquinhos Millenium-Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, e41425-e41425 , 2025 2025
Perceção dos estudantes de Enfermagem sobre a saúde das pessoas LGBTI+ na sua formação: revisão rápida R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, L Lusquinhos RevSALUS-Revista Científica Internacional da Rede Académica das Ciências da … , 2025 2025
Promoção e educação para a saúde em meio escolar (PEpS-ME) na visão de alunos e encarregados de educação L Lusquinhos, GS de Carvalho Promoção e educaçã opara a saúde: Inovação paraa sustentabilida de e o bem … , 2025 2025
Nursing interventions to promote health management in older people living with HIV: scoping review R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, L Lusquinhos Millenium, 18 , 2025 2025
Psychotherapeutic interventions for depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis B Morgado, C Silva, I Agostinho, F Brás, P Amaro, L Lusquinhos, ... Healthcare 12 (24), 2551 , 2024 2024 Citations: 13
AlenRiscos Observatory-Monitoring psychoactive substances consumption among 3rd cycle students in Alentejo region A Dias, E Caldeira, L Lusquinhos, A Coelho, M Goes, M Lopes CHRC , 2024 2024
Psychotherapeutic interventions for depressive symptoms in older adults in a community setting: a systematic review protocol B Morgado, C Silva, I Agostinho, F Bras, P Amaro, L Lusquinhos, ... Frontiers in Psychiatry 15, 1448771 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
BENEFÍCIOS DA NUTRIÇÃO NOS CUIDADOS DE ENFERMAGEM A DOENTES COM LESÕES POR PRESSÃO EM CONTEXTO HOSPITALAR B Almeida, C Coelho, C Guilherme, D Curraleira, J Russo, M Palhano, ... Revista Ibero-Americana de Saúde e Envelhecimento 9 (1), 90-113 , 2023 2023
Os efeitos da depressão pós-parto nas puérperas A Santos, A Rodrigues, D Doce, F Solda, G Guerreiro, M Goes, A João, ... Revista Ibero-Americana de Saúde e Envelhecimento 9 (1), 157-179 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
CUIDADOS DE ENFERMAGEM AO PREMATURO COM SÍNDROME DO DESCONFORTO RESPIRATÓRIO: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DA LITERATURA A Jacinto, B Fernandes, C Martins, C Barreto, MC Pereira, M Correia, ... Revista Ibero-Americana de Saúde e Envelhecimento 9 (1), 115-132 , 2023 2023
A sobrecarga dos cuidadores informais do idoso dependente C Frade, C Santos, F Silva, L Costa, M Almeida, T Agapito, M Goes, ... Revista Ibero-Americana de Saúde e Envelhecimento 9 (1), 134-155 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Benefícios do aleitamento materno e a importância dos cuidados de enfermagem para a adesão à amamentação exclusiva C Geraldo, C Rodeia, D Silva, I Guerreiro, M Varela, S Silva, M Goes, ... Revista Ibero-Americana de Saúde e Envelhecimento 9 (1), 6-21 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Biopsychosocial factors that influence the purpose in life among working adults and retirees A Coelho, M Lopes, M Barata, S Sousa, M Goes, F Bia, A Dias, A João, ... International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20 (8), 5456 , 2023 2023 Citations: 18
Interação do sector da saúde com o da educação na reabertura das escolas durante a pandemia COVID-19 L Lusquinhos, RF Alves, Z Anastácio, RT Iaochite, M Azevedo, ... Editora Unijuí , 2023 2023
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Biopsychosocial factors that influence the purpose in life among working adults and retirees A Coelho, M Lopes, M Barata, S Sousa, M Goes, F Bia, A Dias, A João, ... International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20 (8), 5456 , 2023 2023 Citations: 18
Psychotherapeutic interventions for depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis B Morgado, C Silva, I Agostinho, F Brás, P Amaro, L Lusquinhos, ... Healthcare 12 (24), 2551 , 2024 2024 Citations: 13
Educação e Promoção da Saúde em meio escolar: contributos dos setores da educação e da saúde L Lusquinhos, G Carvalho Pesquisas, vivências e práticas de educação em saúde na escola, 120-134 , 2022 2022 Citations: 7
Psychotherapeutic interventions for depressive symptoms in older adults in a community setting: a systematic review protocol B Morgado, C Silva, I Agostinho, F Bras, P Amaro, L Lusquinhos, ... Frontiers in Psychiatry 15, 1448771 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
Benefícios do aleitamento materno e a importância dos cuidados de enfermagem para a adesão à amamentação exclusiva C Geraldo, C Rodeia, D Silva, I Guerreiro, M Varela, S Silva, M Goes, ... Revista Ibero-Americana de Saúde e Envelhecimento 9 (1), 6-21 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Educação para a saúde nas escolas portuguesas: diretrizes dos setores da saúde e da educação L Lusquinhos, GS Carvalho Journal of Nursing Referência, 79-90 , 2019 2019 Citations: 5
Os efeitos da depressão pós-parto nas puérperas A Santos, A Rodrigues, D Doce, F Solda, G Guerreiro, M Goes, A João, ... Revista Ibero-Americana de Saúde e Envelhecimento 9 (1), 157-179 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
A sobrecarga dos cuidadores informais do idoso dependente C Frade, C Santos, F Silva, L Costa, M Almeida, T Agapito, M Goes, ... Revista Ibero-Americana de Saúde e Envelhecimento 9 (1), 134-155 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
O Programa Regional de Educação Sexual em Saúde Escolar (PRESSE): uma realidade em construção L Lusquinhos, G Carvalho Lições Aprendidas na Formação e Práticas Docentes na Educação em Sexualidade … , 2017 2017 Citations: 2
Health education in Portuguese schools: guidelines from the health and education sectors L Lusquinhos, GS Carvalho Revista de Enfermagem Referência 4 (21), 79-89 , 2019 2019 Citations: 1
“Eu e a minha mochila”–um projeto de educação para saúde em meio escolar L Lusquinhos, G Carvalho Egitania Sciencia, 7-17 , 2018 2018 Citations: 1
Development-centred neonatal care: validation study of the patient safety checklist A Malveira, M Teles, L Lusquinhos, A Dias, S Oliveira, M Lopes Frontiers in Pediatrics 14, 1754878 , 2026 2026
Conhecimento, educação, compreensão e conscientização sobre Mpox dos estudantes de enfermagem: scoping review R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, T Almeida, L Lusquinhos Millenium-Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, e43376-e43376 , 2026 2026
Conhecimento e práticas dos enfermeiros na infeção por Mpox: revisão scoping R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, L Lusquinhos RevSALUS-Revista Científica Internacional da Rede Académica das Ciências da … , 2026 2026
3º Painel| Para estilos de vida mais saudáveis na criança e no jovem: políticas e intervenções L Lusquinhos Editor: ESEL–Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, 31 , 2026 2026
Nursing students´ knowledge, education, understanding, and awareness regarding Mpox: scoping review R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, T Almeida, L Lusquinhos Millenium, 10 , 2026 2026
Nurses´ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding Mpox: scoping review R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, L Lusquinhos Millenium-Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, e43559-e43559 , 2025 2025
Intervenções de enfermagem promotoras da gestão de saúde da pessoa idosa que vive com VIH: scoping review R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, L Lusquinhos Millenium-Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, e41425-e41425 , 2025 2025
Perceção dos estudantes de Enfermagem sobre a saúde das pessoas LGBTI+ na sua formação: revisão rápida R Guerreiro, J Constâncio, L Lusquinhos RevSALUS-Revista Científica Internacional da Rede Académica das Ciências da … , 2025 2025
Promoção e educação para a saúde em meio escolar (PEpS-ME) na visão de alunos e encarregados de educação L Lusquinhos, GS de Carvalho Promoção e educaçã opara a saúde: Inovação paraa sustentabilida de e o bem … , 2025 2025