The research explored knowledge, attitudes and practices towards suicide among immigrants from five countries of the Horn of Africa in Victoria, Australia.
In this presentation, the presenter will share information about the target population, the drive behind the research, the research questions that were asked to help identify the risk and protective factors of suicide specific to these communities, and reflections on the challenges and opportunities of conducting community-based research.
The presenter will then share important findings of the research that include the participants’ knowledge of suicide incidence, causes of suicide and support options to prevent suicide; their attitudes on the perception of suicide as an issue, the judgements towards suicide, and whether they believe suicide is preventable, if so where and how; as well as current community practices in dealing with suicide. There will be discussions of key themes from the findings followed by recommendations that could contribute towards effective and culturally sensitive interventions.
About the speaker
Yonas Mihtsuntu has post graduate qualifications and is a clinical counsellor, holding full membership of the AASW and AMHSW. He has more than 17 years of professional mental health experience. He has worked in mental health services, both in community and private practice settings in Victoria and NSW. He is currently working as a Senior Practitioner with Foundation House. He has conducted research in the areas of mental health carers and refugee/immigrant communities.
The presenter also acknowledges his co-authors, Keflemariam Yohannes and Arhet Gebrat, who are also mental health professionals.
VTMH webinars are open to individuals, from all disciplines and working in all sectors, who are based in Australia and interested in diversity and mental health.
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