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1.1 Clinicians respond sensitively and without assumptions to the diversity of individual characteristics and social determinants of health—including cultural, religious or spiritual and linguistic considerations, health beliefs, individual abilities, choices and preferences— and modify their approach as appropriate.

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For me, the most meaningful aspect of competency standard 1.1 was responding sensitively to the diversity of individual characteristics and social determinants of health without making assumptions. I have developed my understanding of how social, cultural or linguistic considerations may affect how people become involved in health (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). Having read about health beliefs and preferences from different cultures, I now feel confident in changing my communication skills to suit my patients’ needs while showing respect and being unbiassed. For example, I am handling a patient from Ukraine who does not speak English, I can use simple definitions when explaining medications or ask the patient if an interpreter is needed. I might also include family members regarding treatment options when appropriate for the patient. This skill could be essential to me in the workplace because it will allow me to avoid conflict and build trusting relationships to ensure patients are satisfied with how I deliver my care, creating better health outcomes.

Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf.

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The factors in which people are born, live, work, and age are defined as social determinants of health (WHO, n.d.). As stated, refugees experience a variety of social determinants of health that leave a negative impact on their health, significantly adding up to the traumatic events they have suffered from back home. They face social exclusion and discrimination as they are considered as ‘different’ due to their skin colour, ethnic background, cultural beliefs, and nationality. It has been reported that refugees are linked to a lesser sense of belonging, lower levels of trust, and decreased hope after setting in Australia (Ziersch et al., 2020). In addition, they also lack the ability to access healthcare services, pursue education and get employment because of their visa conditions (UNHCR, n.d.). Hence, Australia has created multicultural frameworks to help refugees join host groups and access services and additional resources. These approaches foster inclusion and fairness in society, which help improve refugees’ health and wellbeing (Refugee Council of Australia, 2023).

Refugee Council of Australia. (2023). Refugee Response Index Australia Review: Refugees become self-reliant (Pillar 4). https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/rri-refugees-become-self-reliant/.

UNHCR. (n.d.). Social Inclusion of Refugees. https://www.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/legacy-pdf/5fc126354.pdf.

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1.

Ziersch, A., Due, C., & Walsh, M. (2020). Discrimination: a health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health, 20, 108. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3.

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Health Concern Among Ukrainian Refugees Upon Settling in Australia 

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Health Concern Among Ukrainian Refugees Upon Settling in Australia 

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Australia has granted over 11,500 visas with almost 11,400 people have arrived in Australia due to the conflict in Ukraine. Upon arrival, individuals must receive an initial health assessment and catch-up vaccinations to identify any health concerns that may hinder their ability to live a healthy lifestyle (The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, 2025).

One common health concern that Ukrainian refugees are likely to have Tuberculosis (TB), which likely spreads through airborne transmission from people with active TB. Symptoms may include but not limited to are, chronic cough, fever, and weight loss. Some individuals may even be asymptomatic, which is relatively known as Latent TB Infection (LTBI). One treatment available to refugees who have tested positive for this condition is the administration of isoniazid for 6-9 months to reduce the risk of active TB. Clinicians are responsible for providing accurate information to people receiving this treatment, so that they understand the purpose of it and when to stop using the medicine. They should also be monitored regularly to prevent the occurrence of adverse effects, such as peripheral neuropathy (Donhelm et al., n.d.).

Denholm, J., Bailes, M., & Francis, J. (n.d.). Tuberculosis (TB & LTBI). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis-tb/.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. (2025). Ukrainian refugees – key issues. https://www.rch.org.au/immigranthealth/clinical/Ukrainian_refugees_-_key_issues/.

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Folk medicine has always been a fundamental part of people’s cultures and ethnic backgrounds due to the lack of modern medical systems in the past. Individuals have used medical plants not only for the treatment and prevention of illnesses but also to maintain overall health. In Ukrainian culture, folk medicine is primarily related to spiritual beliefs. Znakhar (‘sorcerer’) and znakharka (‘sorceress’) are traditional healers that protect people from evil spirits. They believed that illnesses originated from negative energy, sometimes linked with witches and warlocks after “selling their soul to the devil” (Ihnatenko, 2021).

Calendula officinalis L., also known as Marigold, is widely used in Ukraine and other parts of Europe as topical managements, such as ointments, gels, and essence oils to relieve skin irritations due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Additionally, it is used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory problems, and some cancers (Ejiohuo et al., 2024).

Ejiohuo, O., Folami, S., & Maigoro, A. Y. (2024). Calendula in modern medicine: Advancements in wound healing and drug delivery applications. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Reports, 12, 100-199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmcr.2024.100199.

Ihnatenko, I. (2021). Folk Medicine. Ivan Honchar Museum. https://honchar.org.ua/en/blog/folk-medicine-i178.