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Eye beads or nazars – amulets against the evil eye – for sale in a shop. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazar_(amulet)‌

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The Belief in the Evil Eye in Rural Iraqi Society

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The Belief in the Evil Eye in Rural Iraqi Society

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In rural Iraqi society, the belief in the evil eye, often called the Envious Look or E'Wana, is prominent. It is thought that envy or jealousy of other people might result in illness or bad luck (Sultan, 2007). Physical diseases like fever, headaches, and more serious disorders like epilepsy are especially linked to the evil eye, especially in younger people. According to Jackson & Auckland (2006), jealous looks are believed to transmit negative energy that impacts the target and frequently results in distress or sickness. Wearing amulets resembling a symbolic arrow-pierced eye and the proverb "A bite of a lion is less harmful than an envious look" is one way people protect themselves from this(Sultan, 2007).

Sources

Sultan, A. S. S. (2007). Medicine in the 21st century: The situation in a rural Iraqi community. Patient Education and Counseling, 68(1), 66–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2007.04.010

Jackson, K., & Auckland. (2006). Fate, spirits, and curses: mental health and traditional beliefs in some refugee communities. Auckland Refugees As Survivors Centre.

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Cultural Safety in Elder Care: A Focus on Competency Standard 12.2

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Cultural Safety in Elder Care: A Focus on Competency Standard 12.2

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My experience in aged care aligns with Competency Standard 12.2 of the Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework (Health Workforce Australia, 2017), which emphasizes cultural safety. Recently, I cared for an elderly resident who felt uncomfortable due to cultural differences. My main focus was on creating a safe environment by being attentive, patient, and respectful of her cultural values. After discussing with colleagues familiar with the resident's culture, I gained insight that ensured the care I provided was culturally appropriate. This understanding is crucial in the workplace as it promotes cultural safety. I previously underestimated the importance of trust, respect, and lifelong learning in this regard. In the future, I am committed to enhancing my cultural competency through ongoing training and feedback (Health Workforce Australia, 2017).

Sources

Health Workforce Australia. (2017). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians.

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Thamer, M. R. (2023). Save Iraqi Culture’ Baghdad, Iraq A surreal monument depicting a five-armed giant supporting a toppling cylinder seal. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/save-iraqi-culture

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Iraq's Diverse Cultural Heritage: A Combination of Religion, History, Language, Music, and Cuisine.

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Iraq's Diverse Cultural Heritage: A Combination of Religion, History, Language, Music, and Cuisine.

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Iraq's culture is a rich blend of tradition and history. The official languages, Arabic and Kurdish, highlight the country's ethnic diversity, with Arabic being predominant in daily life, while Kurdish is spoken in the northern regions (Cultural Atlas, 2019). Iraqi music, with its classical maqam system, combines Arab and Persian influences, using instruments like the oud and qanun (CUNY Pressbooks Network – Simple Book Publishing, n.d.).The nation's cuisine, known for dishes like masgouf and kubba, is celebrated for its bold flavours and spices such as cumin and turmeric(Travel Insighter | Stay Informed with the Latest Travel News and Exclusive Insights for U.S., British and Australian Travellers, 2023). Traditional dress includes the dishdasha for men and the abaya for women, while urban areas feature Western attire. Religion, especially Shia and Sunni Islam, plays a central role in daily life, with pilgrimage sites like Karbala. Preserving Iraq’s cultural heritage is vital for understanding its significance (Cultural Atlas, 2019).

Sources

Cultural Atlas. (2019). Home. Cultural Atlas. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/‌

CUNY Pressbooks Network – Simple Book Publishing. (n.d.). https://pressbooks.cuny.edu/‌

Travel Insighter | Stay Informed with the Latest Travel News and Exclusive Insights for U.S., British and Australian Travellers. (2023, October 4). Travel Insighter. https://travelinsighter.com/

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Iron Deficiency Anaemia Among Refugees in Australia

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Iron Deficiency Anaemia Among Refugees in Australia

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Upon arrival in Australia, refugees often face health issues like iron deficiency anemia, particularly among young children and women of reproductive age. This condition arises from poor nutrition, food insecurity, and chronic infections like hookworm or Helicobacter pylori, which are common in refugee populations (Ali et al., 2024). Anaemia leads to fatigue, cognitive impairment, and overall poor health. Oral iron supplementation is a common treatment for iron deficiency anaemia, which helps restore iron levels and alleviate symptoms. Dosing should be adjusted based on age and weight, and side effects like nausea and constipation can be managed through intermittent dosing or alternative formulations. Education on iron-rich diets is also crucial for long-term health (Refugee Health Network of Australia, 2024).

Sources

Refugee Health Network of Australia. (2020). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide.

Ali, H. I., Al-Habib, O. A. M., Omer, N. H., & Omer, S. A. (2024). Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Different Age Groups in Duhok City, Kurdistan region, Iraq. Technium BioChemMed, 8, 39–47. https://doi.org/10.47577/biochemmed.v8i.10808

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Overcoming Educational Barriers to Improve Health Outcomes for Iraqi Refugees in Australia

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Overcoming Educational Barriers to Improve Health Outcomes for Iraqi Refugees in Australia

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For refugees, education is a crucial social indicator of health since it affects their health once they arrive in Australia. The World Health Organization,2021 asserts that education impacts health by raising opportunities for work, expanding access to healthcare, and boosting health literacy. Due to their lack of education, Iraqi refugees frequently struggle with comprehending health information, seeking medical attention, and utilizing the healthcare system. Higher unemployment rates are another consequence of this lack of educational opportunities, which also drives stress, poor mental health, and chronic illnesses (Australian Human Rights Commission, n.d.). Improving health outcomes and facilitating the integration of refugees can be achieved by addressing educational obstacles such as language proficiency and qualification recognition (Australian Government, 2019).

Sources

WHO. (2021). World Health Organization. Who. int; World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/

Australian Human Rights Commission. (n.d.). Australian Human Rights Commission. Australian Human Rights Commission. https://humanrights.gov.au/

Australian Government. (2019, February 22). Department of Social Services, Australian Government. Dss.gov.au. https://www.dss.gov.au/