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Background: An understanding of the cultural aspects of suicidal behavior is essential for the development of culturally appropriate suicide prevention and intervention strategies. Aims: This study explored the attitudes toward youth suicide in 686 Italian, Indian and Australian undergraduate students (18–24 years old). Method: A 21-item suicide attitude inventory titled Attitude towards Youth Suicide (AtYS) scale, included in this paper, was used in the three samples. Results: Four factors were extracted, labeled negative attitudes toward suicide, belief that suicide was not preventable, suicide as acceptable and normal, and the existence of risk signs for suicide. Country differences were found for all four subscales, with Indian students having the most negative attitudes toward suicide. Sex differences were found in all three countries with women, on the whole, having less negative attitudes toward suicide, more belief in the preventability of suicide in India and more belief in risk signs for suicide in Italy. Conclusion: Attitudes are linked to suicide in a complex manner. More quantitative and qualitative studies, including in lower-income and non-English speaking Western societies, are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to establish mental health and suicide research priorities for people from immigrant and refugee background in Australia. This article focuses on the data relevant to the development of the suicide research agenda. This study was conducted using Delphi consensus method with two rounds of online questionnaires. A total of 138 and 86 participants, respectively, completed the first and second rounds of survey. Participants were policy makers, service providers, academics, service users, and carer advocates in Australia with expertise in mental health and/or suicide among people from immigrant and refugee backgrounds. Of the total 268 research questions included in the questionnaires, 70 questions about suicide were ranked as essential by over 50% respondents (i.e., the set level of consensus). In particular, research questions regarded as the greatest priority related to access and engagement with suicide prevention services, suicide protective and risk factors compared to populations not from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, and culturally appropriate assessment of suicide risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refugee young people have been identified as a group with high risk for mental health problems, due to their experience of trauma, forced migration, and stressors associated with settlement. A high prevalence of mental health problems is reported in this group, however some research suggests refugee young people have low rates of mental health service access. There is little information available on barriers and facilitators to mental service delivery for this group. Using data from 15 focus groups and five key informant interviews with a total of 115 service providers from 12 agencies in Melbourne, Australia, this paper explores barriers and facilitators to engaging young people from refugee backgrounds with mental health services. Eight key themes emerged: cultural concepts of mental health, illness, and treatment; service accessibility; trust; working with interpreters; engaging family and community; the style and approach of mental health providers; advocacy; and continuity of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range of service development initiatives has been implemented in Australia to improve the cultural responsiveness of mental health services. In Victoria, cultural portfolio holders (CPHs) are responsible for leading service development activities that address the needs of individuals and families from different cultural backgrounds. The aim of this research was to obtain consensus from CPHs around how their role contributes to improving the cultural responsiveness of mental health services. Information from a literature review and a focus-group discussion with 13 CPHs was used to develop a survey. All CPH network members were then invited to participate in an online study that collected background information and consisted of two surveys. Consensus was reached regarding 42 statements. These concerned activities undertaken by CPHs within services and with other organisations, the position of CPHs within organisational structures and the potential for further developing the CPH role. Cultural portfolio holders have the potential to lead service reforms that can improve an organisation's cultural responsiveness. To do so they require the support of organisation-based leaders and a statewide transcultural mental health service. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: General dentist orthodontic practice is a controversial issue and this paper aims to analyze it comparing foreign laws to Brazilian Legal System. Methods: Regulations and scientific texts concerning orthodontic practice by general dentists, in Portuguese or English language, were sought. Results and Conclusion: Portugal clearly forbids general dentist orthodontic practice; United States of America do not clearly forbid general dentist orthodontic practice, but do regulate and promote campaigns to encourage public to seek specialist service; in Australia and England, corrective orthodontics are offered both by orthodontists and general dentists; it was not possible to evaluate how orthodontic services are provided in Eastern Europe; and the fact that general dentists are forbidden to practice corrective orthodontics in Brazilian Legal System is compatible to other countries policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]