# data[].attributes.body
Burma, officially known as Myanmar, is a Southeast Asian country bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, and Thailand. Myanmar is known for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient Buddhist temples, as well as diverse ethnic groups and languages (Wikipedia Contributors, 2019).

Historically, Myanmar was a British colony until it gained independence in 1948. The country experienced significant political instability until a quasi-civilian government took over in 2011.

Myanmar's economy is largely based on agriculture, with rice being the primary crop. The country is also rich in natural resources, including jade, gemstones, oil, and natural gas. However, it faces challenges such as poverty, and ongoing conflicts between the government and various ethnic groups.

Wikipedia Contributors. (2019, June 19). Myanmar. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myanmar

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Myanmar Travel Guide 2024: The Best of Myanmar | Expedia

# data[].attributes.body
The country's capital city is Naypyidaw and its largest city is Yangon.

# data[].attributes.body
Burma (Myanmar) is a highly ethnically diverse country with 135 officially recognized ethnic groups and over 100 languages spoken. Ethnic minorities make up at least one-third of the population and inhabit half the country's land area (Smith, 2024). Major ethnic groups include the Karen, Shan, Mon, Chin, Kachin, Rakhine, and Karenni, among others. While some minorities share Theravada Buddhism with the Burmese majority, there are also significant communities of Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and animists. The country's geographic location helped in the attraction of settlers from various backgrounds throughout its history.

Smith, M. (2024, April 9). Burma (Myanmar): The Time for Change. Report. https://minorityrights.org/resources/burma-myanmar-the-time-for-change/

# data[].attributes.body
Medicinal practices have involved the natural world for several years and it indicates that humans have used plants for medicinal purposes for over 60,000 years. Traditional medicine is very famous and widely used all over Asia which also includes Myanmar. In Myanmar, traditional medicine is the primary method of healthcare, and it is both recognized and regulated by the Ministry of Health. A significant portion of Burmese traditional medicine is based on the Indian tradition of Ayurveda, where physical health is connected to both the spiritual world and the natural world.

Wodniak, N. (2015). Burmese Refugee Health: The Value of Plant-Based Medicine. Fordham Research Commons. https://fordham.bepress.com/environ_2015/50

# data[].attributes.body
I love their traditional dress. It is known as "longyi" for both men and women. It is a cylindrical piece of cloth worn around the waist, extending to the feet. Women often wear it with a blouse called "yinzi" or "yinbon," while men pair it with a shirt. The longyi has evolved from the "taungshay paso" for men and the "htamein" for women, dating back to the 19th century during the Konbaung Dynasty. It symbolizes modesty, cultural pride, and adaptability, with variations in patterns and colours signifying different occasions, regions, and social statuses in Myanmar (Stephen, 2019). I find it very unique and beautiful in an unusual way.

Stephen. (2019, August 30). Traditional Dress of Myanmar - Essence of A Unique Culture. Myanmar Tours. https://www.gomyanmartours.com/traditional-dress-myanmar/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Myanmar 🇲🇲 | Burmese traditional costume

# data[].attributes.body
Most of the Burmese refugees who resettle in Australia undergo primary health screening. According to the research (Chaves et al., 2009) it is known that there are higher rates of H. pylori infection in 80% of the whole Burmese refugees. Another research (Zaw et al., 2024) shows that Burmese refugees are also very prone to mental health distress, but they do not seek help due to cultural barriers.  In cases like these, it is evident that an assessment of emotional well-being should be part of the post-arrival screening. It is advisable to consider suicide risk assessment for refugees (Singleton et al., 2024). As for H. pylori, it is recommended to have routine screening and follow-up for at least 4 weeks after treatment (Schulz et al., 2024).

Schulz, T., Kay, M., & Cherian, S. (2024). Helicobacter Pylori» Australian Refugee Health. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/helicobacter-pylori/

Singleton, G., Hocking, D., Gardiner, J., & Paxton, G. (2024). Mental Health» Australian Refugee Health. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Zaw, G., Sreenivasan, S., & Sidhu, L. (2024). Forensic Evaluation of Refugees from Myanmar. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online. https://doi.org/10.29158/JAAPL.230115-23

# data[].attributes.body
Social inclusion and non-discrimination are crucial for the well-being of refugees. In this case, refugees from Burma arriving in Australia.

Refugees have difficulty adapting to the new community, but social inclusion can promote a sense of belongingness. Burmese refugees resettling in Australia avoid seeking medical help due to discrimination (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). Since they must rebuild their whole life in Australia, they often lead their life without basic human rights. Social inclusion and non-discrimination benefit a person’s physical and mental health through practical and emotional support and ensure that refugees feel welcomed. It can significantly improve the health outcomes of refugees arriving from Myanmar to Australia.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Social determinants of health. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; Australian Government. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-of-health

New Country, New Stories: Discrimination and disadvantage experienced by people in small and emerging communities. (1999). Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. https://humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/content/pdf/race_discrim/newcountry_newstories.pdf

# data[].attributes.body
Working in the medical field, I believe patient care must be free of prejudice, especially for ethnically diverse individuals. Addressing both physical and emotional needs is crucial.

Initially, I was concerned about the communication challenges with refugee patients due to their diverse cultural beliefs. However, I’m motivated to provide the best care for them.

I’ve learned that ignoring sociocultural differences leads to poorer outcomes and that trauma-informed care is essential.

Understanding cultural sensitivity is vital, and I plan to continue enhancing my cultural competence to provide better care for refugee and culturally diverse patients.

MIGRANT & REFUGEE WOMEN’S HEALTH PARTNERSHIP. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK for CLINICIANS. https://doi.org/culturaldiversityhealth.org.au