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Impact on refugees arriving in Australia

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RACGP. (2018). RACGP - Healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers. Racgp.org.au. https://www.racgp.org.au/advocacy/position-statements/view-all-position-statements/health-systems-and-environmental/healthcare-for-refugees-and-asylum-seekers

World Health Organisation. (2023). Social determinants of health. World Health Organisation. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

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A defining moment in Australian history for myself that resonates with the community of Australians, was the when it was voted to amend the marriage act and legalise same sex marriage in Australia. Prior to this individuals who were in same sex relationships were not only unable to marry, but were generally treated as less than in many aspects such as health care, workplace and social situations. Between the years of 2004 - 2017 over 20 marriage equality were defeated when put to the government, so in 2016 the government went to the public for a voluntary postal survey and if majority voted yes the marriage equality bill would be passed. The survey asked to vote yes or no to the question Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry? ". With 80% of eligible Australians returning the survey, 61.6% voted yes! So on December 7 2017 the marriage act was amended to the "union of two people", rather than that of a man and a woman. This showed support to those in LGBTQIA+ community and shifted some of the stigma, moving to a more inclusive and understanding society.

corporateName =National Museum of Australia; address=Lawson Crescent, A. P. (2017). National Museum of Australia - Marriage equality. Www.nma.gov.au. https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/marriage-equality#:~:text=The%20amendment%20of%20the%20federal

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The digeridoo is arguably the oldest know wind instrument, used by Aboriginal people for up to 40,000 years. It is traditionally used to mimic the sound of the land and animals and was originally made of the hollowed out tree trunks from termites. The didgeridoo has the ability to connect people to country and are often used in the aboriginal community during funeral songs, songs of ancestors, dreamtime stories and  hunting songs. Listening and participating in music has the potential to reduce anxiety, depression, reduce heart rate, and is shown to improve mood and quality of sleep.

Aboriginal art & culture Alice Springs Australia. (n.d.). Traditional Australian Aboriginal Music. Www.aboriginalart.com.au. https://www.aboriginalart.com.au/didgeridoo/

JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE. (2022). Keep Your Brain Young with Music. Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music#:~:text=It%20provides%20a%20total%20brain

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Reflecting on competency standard 12.4 I learnt the importance of connecting with the patient during consult rather than solely the interpreter. I am now confident on how to conduct myself in a situation with a patient when a interpreter is present I will maintain eye contact with the patient and speak directly to them rather than to the interpreter such as "looking at your blood tests results" rather than "when we looked at the patients blood test results" while also acknowledging the interpreter on occasion. This skill will help me in the workforce have professional etiquette when working with interpreters and being more culturally safe when caring for a patient with a language barrier.

Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. (2019, January). Login.microsoftonline.com. https://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/3573073/mod_resource/content/1/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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Australia has often been called the sporting nation, and it is a central part of our culture, and most, if not all, have grown up playing some sport. From soccer, AFL, netball, rugby in winter and tennis, swimming and cricket in summer. As of 2022, 41% of Australians over 15 years played some sport-related activity once a week, and 47% of children under 15 played once a week. 73.7% of children play a sport outside school at least once a year. There are many benefits to playing sports, including better physical health, academic concentration, learning to work as a team, and boosting self-esteem and mood.

Australia: share of child sport participants by frequency 2022. (n.d.). Statista. Retrieved October 3, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1007752/australia-share-of-child-sport-participants-by-frequency/#:~:text=In%20financial%20year%202022%2C%20it

Benefits of Sports for Adolescents. (2021). Muhealth.org. https://www.muhealth.org/conditions-treatments/pediatrics/adolescent-medicine/benefits-of-sports

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Bushland is a deep forested landscape full of plants and native animals. Australia comprises 16% bushland, housing some of our most endangered and magnificent creatures, including koalas, cassowarys and crocodiles. Thirty-seven bushes across Australia are protected. Many Australians could describe a feeling of home when they are in the bush, likely because you are usually only a short drive or walk to the nearest one, and many have memories of camping, hiking and walking in the bush throughout their life. Periods of exposure to nature have been shown to improve aspects of mental health disorders, and many feel a sense of calm when they spend time in nature.

Everything you need to know about the Australian Bush. (2022, January 21). FutureLearn. https://www.futurelearn.com/info/futurelearn-international/australian-bush

Nature therapy | APS. (n.d.). Psychology.org.au. https://psychology.org.au/for-members/publications/inpsych/2020/dec-jan-issue-6/analyse-this/nature-therapy#:~:text=Time%20in%20nature%20provides%20mental

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Principle health issues refugees may present with.

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Principle health issues refugees may present with.

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Syria is a small, poor country in the Middle East, with a population of 21.32 million amid a crisis. In 2011 the crisis began when the government violently shut down public protests in response to several teenagers being arrested for  "anti-government" graffiti. This descended into a civil war that continues today. Since 2011 more than 14 million have fled the country, and 70% of the current population is awaiting humanitarian assistance. Three common health concerns for Syrian refugees arriving in Australia are anemia, mental health and non-communicable diseases, and diabetes (UNHCR, 2022).

Anemia is categorised as low hemoglobin concentration in the blood caused by the depleted iron reserve. This may be due to food insecurity, chronic infections such as helicobacter pylori, and pregnancy or menstrual loss in women. Anemia can be a cause or contributor to morbidity and mortality across the globe. Treatment for anaemia is to identify the disease-causing and treat that. However, blood transfusions and erythroprotine injections may be administered if it becomes severe.

Mental health: Refugees arriving have almost always experienced some "pre-arrival" trauma, whether from conflict, separation from family, torture, violation of human rights or abuse. However, the effects of arriving in a new country and asylum circumstances may also be a detriment to their mental health. High rates of mental health disorders are reported in refugees, including anxiety, depression, PTSD and more. A psychological assessment is important but must be done sensitively to ensure the patient is comfortable, and referring to appropriate psychologists and psychiatrists may also be beneficial.

Non- communicable disease; Diabetes:
Diabetes is non-communicable, meaning it can not be passed from one person to another, and is highly prevalent in refugees arriving in Australia. Usually, this is due to food insecurity, low socioeconomic status, stressful family life and high intake of sugary foods, all of which are risks for developing diabetes. If left untreated, it can result in cardiovascular disease, neuropathy and kidney disease. Treatment can include managing diet and exercise, monitoring BGL and, if necessary, insulin replacement therapy.

Australian refugee health practice guide. (n.d.). Australian Refugee Health» Primary Care for People of Refugee Backgrounds. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Mayo Clinic. (2019). Diseases and Conditions - Diseases and Conditions - Disease and condition information from Mayo Clinic experts. Mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions

UNHCR. (2022, July 8). Syria Refugee Crisis Explained. Unrefugees.org. https://www.unrefugees.org/news/syria-refugee-crisis-explaine

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health to me means feeling well in mind, body and soul. I feel healthy when my body is active and I am filling it with fresh healthy food, when I am taking time to do things that 'fill my cup' like being out in nature, engaging in self care rituals and spending time with family, lastly keeping my mind active and busy with productive things and seeking different therapy's. I find if one of these needs are not being met usually all will start to deteriorate. therefore, it is important to stay connected to yourself and recognise what is area is lacking in my life in order to maintain optimal health.

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Vegemite is an Australian icon in terms of food. It was first invented in 1923. the idea came as the distribution of popular spread marmite to Australia was disturbed during World War II, so a local alternative was made. Initially, people were reluctant to buy, so many campaigns began with little success. It was not until vegemite was declared a "nutritional powerhouse" and was gifted to mothers after birth due to its high levels of vitamin B containing Thiamin (B1) for brain function, Riboflavin (B2) to support the nervous system and niacin (B3) for energy release and folate for fight fatigue. Vegemite is a beloved part of Australian culture today, with 9 out of 10 homes owning a jar. Although still polarising overseas, most Aussies will gladly explain the correct way to eat vegemite and enjoy it to its full potential.

https://vegemite.com.au/heritage/the-vegemite-story/

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Artwork by Aboriginal artist Seantelle Whalsh (Kardy Kreations) 

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Aboriginal art is an art form used by Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait people to express their identity, culture, spirituality and connection to the country, and it is one of the longest-running artforms in the world, dating back 40,000 years. It has been used for decades as a way of storytelling, and each community may have different styles and methods of telling these stories through their art. A large part of Aboriginal peoples' health is feeling connected to their country and community, so incorporating Aboriginal art therapy into their care may encourage them to tell their individual stories in a culturally safe manner.

Butler, L. (2019, December 18). Tharawal Art Therapy Program: Creating a Safe Place for Community Members to Heal» Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW. Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW. https://www.ahmrc.org.au/tharawal-art-therapy-program-creating-a-safe-place-for-community-members-to-heal/