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Traditional Sudanese medicine/health beliefs 

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Traditional Sudanese medicine/health beliefs 

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Sudanese medicine and health beliefs are deeply rooted in spirituality and traditional practices. 90% of the Sudanese population relies on traditional medicine for their primary healthcare (Karar & Kuhnert, 2017) which may be because modern-day drugs are limited and only 70% of people have access to a health facility within 30 minutes from their home (Unicef, n.d.). Herbal medicines are considered more accessible, especially for those in rural communities, and hold cultural significance due to the mention of their use in religious texts like the Quran. They are commonly used for treating colds and coughs, joint pains, and gastrointestinal issues. Some popular remedies include peppermint, acacia nilotica, and fenugreek, which are usually taken in tea form (Mohamed et al., 2024).

Karar, M. G. E., & Kuhnert, N. (2017). Herbal drugs from Sudan: Traditional uses and phytoconstituents. Pharmacognosy Reviews/Bioinformatics Trends/Pharmacognosy Review, 11(22), 83. https://doi.org/10.4103/phrev.phrev_15_15

Mohamed, R., Mohamed, R., Dafalla, R., Ahmed, A., & Abdeldaim, A. (2024). The prevalence of herbal medicine among Sudanese adults: a cross-sectional study 2021. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04584-1

Unicef. (n.d.). Health. https://rb.gy/eltmhi

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Domain 1: Clinical Expert (standard 1.2)

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Domain 1: Clinical Expert (standard 1.2)

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For me, the most important aspect of domain one to apply to my practice when working with people from a refugee background is standard 1.2. I have improved my understanding of the experiences refugees go through and want to deepen my knowledge further so that I can make them feel as safe as possible. Having read the framework I now know that I will have to be able to provide trauma-informed care and create a safe clinical environment, prioritising person-centred care (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, 2019). I can do this by being mindful of my language, body language, and being respectful of their customs and beliefs. This will be essential in interacting with patients in a way that respects their cultural identity.

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds (Competency standards framework for clinicians). Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

https://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/4119639/mod_resource/content/3/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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Social inclusion and non-discrimination are WHO social determinants that can have a major impact on the health of Sudanese refugees arriving in Australia. Refugees must have equal access to housing, employment, education, and healthcare as these aspects are necessary for maintaining good physical and mental health. Discrimination can lead to social isolation, stress, and anxiety, which is why it’s so important that refugees are protected from it and are supported by the community. This can help to prevent pre-existing health conditions from worsening and can also help them adjust to their lives in a new country.

World Health Organization. (2019). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Department of Health. (2012). Part II: Non-discrimination and social inclusion. https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/pub-sqps-rights-toc~pub-sqps-rights-2

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In Sudan food is often used to bring communities together. Meals play a big role in social gatherings and are usually eaten in large groups around a round communal tray called a seniyya where various meat, vegetable, salad, and sauce dishes are placed (Hales, 2019). Sudanese people believe that eating from the same plate creates a sense of belonging and strengthens community bonds, making it a cherished tradition.

The national dish is Ful Medames which is made up of fava beans and raw vegetables and is commonly eaten with kisra (sudanese flatbread). It is customary to eat with the right hand!

Hales, M. (2019). Sudanese Food. https://www.travellocal.com/en/articles/cuisine-of-sudan

World Food and Wine. (n.d.). Food in Sudan. https://www.worldfoodwine.com/food-in-sudan

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Modern day Sudanese thobes. From Kumar Vasudeo Shroff, R (2023). The Colourful World of Sudanese Thobes/Toub

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Many Sudanese believe that wearing traditional clothing is a tribute to their history and symbolic of their identity, allowing them to honour their country and its people.

The most common traditional clothing item for Sudanese men is the jalabiya, a long and loose fitting robe made of lightweight natural fabrics. Jalabiyas are long sleeved and usually light-coloured in order to protect the skin from the sun and reduce heat/sweating (Cultural Diversity Resources, 2022).

For centuries Sudanese women have worn the thobe, a long piece of brightly coloured, patterned fabric, draped over the head and body. Thobes are often passed down from mothers to daughters and today are most commonly worn for special events like festivals, holidays, and weddings (Kumar Vasudeo Shroff, 2024).

Cultural Diversity Resources. (2022). South Sudan Traditional and Modern Clothing.

https://www.culturaldiversityresources.org/single-post/spotlight-on-culture-38

Kumar Vasudeo Shroff, R. (2024). The colorful world of Sudanese Thobes / Toub. https://rb.gy/dqfmai

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Common health issues present in Sudanese refugees: Mental health

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Common health issues present in Sudanese refugees: Mental health

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It is common for Sudanese refugees to present with a variety of health issues upon arrival to Australia due to their experiences of traumatic events and limited access to healthcare. A major concern is Mental health and conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety that not only stem from experiences of conflict, family separation, and even torture but also from the stress and hardships of navigating life in a new country (Singleton et al., n.d.). Developing a trusting relationship, providing education about mental health conditions, and allowing refugees to talk about their past experiences can be psychologically beneficial. There are also specialised torture and trauma counselling services for people with refugee backgrounds available in each state that are free and confidential (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, n.d.).

Singleton, G., Hocking, D., Gardiner, J., & Paxton, G. (n.d.). Mental health. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (n.d.). Management of psychological effects of torture or other traumatic events. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/psychological-effects-of-torture-trauma/

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A group of Sudanese men gathered for Eid al-Adha morning prayers. From Africa News. (2023). Muslims gathered for Eid-al-Adha prayers in Port Sudan on Wednesday as fighting raged on in Khartoum and West Darfur. https://www.africanews.com/2023/06/28/sudanese-gather-for-eid-al-adha-prayers-in-port-sudan/ 

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Religion is an important part of Sudanese culture, with Islam being the dominant faith practised by around 91% of the population (U.S. Department of State, 2023). It has a strong influence on Sudanese people’s daily lives, forbidding things like eating pork or non-halal meats and drinking alcohol (Attum et al., 2023). They also take part in practices such as the five daily prayers, fasting for Ramadan, and celebrating religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Religion can also impact the care Sudanese people receive at health facilities in other parts of the world that may not have a high population of Muslims, and hospitals must make sure to respect prayer times, fasting times, and ensure that any food served meets dietary requirements.

U.S. Department of State. (2023). 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Sudan. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/sudan/#:~:text=2020%20Pew%20Research%20Center%20data,13%20percent%20of%20the%20population

Attum, B., Hafiz, S., Malik, A., & Shamoon, Z. (2023, July 3). Cultural competence in the care of Muslim patients and their families. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499933/