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Burmese puppet. These puppets are traditionally used in Burmese puppet theater performances.

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For centuries, Burma’s puppetry has been a big part of the country’s culture. It mixes storytelling with detailed craftsmanship. In the past, puppet shows were not just for entertainment—they were also used to send messages to the royal family in a subtle way（Tourism in Myanmar, n.d.). Each puppet is carefully carved to show traditional beliefs and values. This tradition is still important today. It not only preserves cultural heritage but also provides a sense of community and emotional relief, contributing positively to the mental health of the people who participate in and watch these performances.

Reference:

1: Tourism in Myanmar. (n.d.). Myanmar puppetry. https://tourisminmyanmar.com.mm/mm/myanmar-puppetry/

2: Kyle. [@跟着Kyle去旅行]. (2023, September 11). Dress like a Burmese and look at Burmese culture [Image]. Xiaohongshu. http://xhslink.com/B/uUww6m

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Lahpet Thoke, or "tea leaf salad," is a traditional dish from Burma that is popular for its unique combination of flavours and textures. This salad is made with fermented tea leaves, which give it a tangy and earthy taste. In addition to the tea leaves, the dish includes a variety of nutritious ingredients like shredded cabbage, juicy tomatoes, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and green chilli peppers (Marvellina,2017). These vegetables and nuts add both flavour and essential nutrients, aligning with the Australian dietary guideline to "enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from these five groups every day," especially emphasizing "plenty of vegetables, including different types and colours, and legumes/beans (The Australian Dietary Guidelines, n.d.)." Lahpet Thoke is not just a dish but a reflection of Burmese culture, often shared during social gatherings and festivals.

Reference:

1:Marvellina. (2017.August 27). Lahpet Thoke (Burmese pickled tea leaves salad). https://whattocooktoday.com/lahpet-thoke-burmese-pickled-tea-leaves-salad.html

2: The Australian Dietary Guidelines. (n.d.). Guidelines. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/guidelines

3: What To Cook Today. (2017.August 27). [Image of Burmese pickled tea leaves salad] [Photograph]. What To Cook Today. https://whattocooktoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_2367.jpg

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Thanaka is a natural Burmese cosmetic, used for sun protection and skincare.

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Thanaka is a traditional Burmese cosmetic made from ground tree bark, which has been used for centuries for skincare and sun protection. It’s known for its cooling effect, anti-inflammatory properties, and ability to smooth and soften the skin (Heritage Line, 2024) . Beyond its beauty benefits, Thanaka holds cultural significance in Burma, symbolizing purity and protection. It’s commonly applied during special occasions and daily life, making it an essential part of Burmese identity and tradition (Global New Light of Myanmar, 2024) .

Reference:

1: Heritage Line. (2021, July 14). Thanaka: The secret to Burmese beauty. Heritage Line. https://heritage-line.com/magazine/thanaka-the-secret-to-burmese-beauty/

2: Global New Light of Myanmar. (2022, April 13). Myanma thanaka: A natural cosmetic and a cultural heritage. https://www.gnlm.com.mm/myanma-thanaka-a-natural-cosmetic-and-a-cultural-heritage/

3: Flying Tao. [@飞翔中的小涛]. (2023, February 22). What did I photoed in a market in Bagan, Myanmar [Image]. Xiaohongshu. http://xhslink.com/B/d3Dw8B

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Saung Gauk is a traditional Burmese arched harp with a distinctive, resonant sound.

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The Burmese arched harp, Saung Gauk, is a national symbol of Burma, blending ancient tradition with contemporary music. Its sound is crisp, gentle, and emotionally deep, using five primary scales to create captivating melodies. The instrument is typically accompanied by the rhythm of bronze bells and wooden clappers, adding a unique atmosphere to the music ( Dr. Su Zar Zar, n.d.). Saung Gauk is deeply rooted in Burmese culture, conveying philosophical stories through its distinctive sound, playing a crucial role in preserving Burma's cultural identity. The unique melodies of the Saung Gauk can help people feel calm and improve mental health.

Reference:

1: Dr. Su Zar Zar. (n.d.). The people of Myanmar and their thanaka. Goethe-Institut Myanmar. https://www.goethe.de/ins/mm/en/kul/sup/24276427.html

2: Unknown author. (1894). Burmese girl and harp [Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Burmese_girl_and_harp.jpg?20190130130552

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For refugees from Burma, “social inclusion and non-discrimination” is very important when they come to Australia. In the mid-1950s, the Burmese government stopped all English education and made Burmese the only language used in schools (myanmartravel, n.d.). Because of this, many refugees have problems with language barriers, which can hurt their social inclusion and mental health. Also, many Burmese refugees have been through a lot of trauma and oppression for a long time, which makes them more likely to suffer from mental health problems like depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Zaw et al., 2024). These issues can also cause problems that might lead to conflicts with the law in their new country. That’s why it’s so important to promote social inclusion and anti-discrimination to help improve their health and quality of life.

Reference:

1: Zaw, G., Sreenivasan, S., & Sidhu, L. (2024). Forensic Evaluation of Refugees from Myanmar. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law, 52(1), 71-79. https://doi.org/10.29158/jaapl.230115-23

2: World Health Organization. (2013.May 17). Social determinants of health: Key concepts. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/social-determinants-of-health-key-concepts

3: Myanmar Travel. (n.d.). Which language is spoken in Myanmar? https://myanmartravel.com/which-language-is-spoken-in-myanmar/

4: Spreadshirt. (n.d.). Australia Burma flag half Burmese women’s t-shirt [T-shirt design]. Spreadshirt. https://www.spreadshirt.com.au/shop/design/australia+burma+flag+half+burmese+womens+t-shirt-D5bbe687d205176241cc66603?sellable=bBmA4LgvOVtpGEgyzzyJ-347-8

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For me, the most important part of competency standard 1.2 is understanding how past trauma affects patients from migrant and refugee backgrounds (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019, p. 12). Learning this has deepened my understanding of the significant impact such experiences have on mental and physical health. As a nursing student, I realise the importance of being empathetic and adapting my approach to each patient’s unique background. This knowledge is essential for my future practice, helping me build trust and provide respectful care. Because I am not yet confident with managing all situations involving trauma, I feel that further education and practical experience will be important to improve my ability to provide compassionate and effective care.

Reference:

1: Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

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Principal health issues that refugees face

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Principal health issues that refugees face

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Burma is an ethnically diverse country with a long history of conflict and violence. By the end of June 2020, an estimated 40,630 people from Burma were living in Australia (Refugee Council, 2021).

One common health concern that refugees from Burma in Australia is tuberculosis (Chaves et al., 2009), as highlighted in the ( Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide,2023). TB symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, fever, weight loss, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment involves screening for LTBI and using anti-TB drugs like antibiotics for active cases, typically over six months. Regular follow-up of refugees and referrals to specialists are crucial for effective TB management and prevention. ( Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide,2023).

Reference:

1: Chaves, N. J., Gibney, K. B., Leder, K., O'Brien, D. P., Marshall, C., & Biggs, B. A. (2009). Screening practices for infectious diseases among Burmese refugees in Australia. Emerging infectious diseases, 15(11), 1769–1772. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1511.090777

2: Refugee Council of Australia. (n.d.). Myanmar (Burma). https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/myanmar-burma/

3: Refugee Health Guide. (n.d.-b). Refugee Health Guide Australia. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

4: Borgen Project. (n.d.). [Image of Myanmar refugees] [Photograph]. Borgen Project. https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/Myanmar-Refugees.jpg