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Traditional medicine is a massive part of the lives of Syrian people, as they do not have significant exposure to the formal healthcare system. A survey conducted in northwest Syria found that 69% of people have used traditional medicine in the last few years. The most common conventional medicines are herbal remedies and hijama (cupping) (Ahmed et al., 2025).

Correspondingly, in an ethnomedicinal study across central Syria (Homs and Hama), 76 medicinal plants were found across 39 families that were used to treat a great range of ailments, including conditions such as respiratory issues, skin conditions, diabetes, and many more (Khatib et al., 2021). Syrian people supported these medicinal practices not because they were more accessible and budget-friendly, but because they adhered to historical and cultural values.

As a nursing student, I respect these traditions and values, and I understand that these traditions are important for building trust and giving culturally responsive support.

Ahmed, F., Ballout, K., Eldervis, H., Eddin, A. C., Tariq, S., Mehmet, N., & Mollahaliloglu, S. (2022). Article - JHPOR. Jhpor.com. https://www.jhpor.com/article/2352-the-practice-of-

Khatib, C., Nattouf, A., & Hasan Agha, M. I. (2021). Traditional medicines and their common uses in central region of Syria: Hama and Homs – an ethnomedicinal survey. Pharmaceutical Biology, 59(1), 778–788. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2021.1936078

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Due to the constant conflicts in Syria, Syrian refugees often experience chronic mental health conditions such as pre-existing disorders, traumas from violence, displacement, and challenges adjusting to new environments. Some people survived sexual violence, and children were exposed to exploitation. Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) are not accessible due to language barriers, stigma, and unequal power dynamics in clinical relationships (WHO, 2022).

As a nursing student, I acknowledge the significance of Domain 1, Competency 1.2 from the Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice, which emphasizes considering the effect of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder on refugees, and adapting my assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care correspondingly to give Trauma-informed care. I aim to create a secure environment and a sense of trust where the perspectives of clients and families are considered ethically, acknowledging cultural, linguistic, and social diversity to give patient-centered support.

Hassan, G., Ventevogel, P., Jefee-Bahloul, H., Barkil-Oteo, A., & Kirmayer, L. J. (2016). Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of Syrians affected by armed conflict. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 25(2), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.1017/s2045796016000044

Culturally responsive clinical practice Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds File

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WHO recognizes social inclusion and non-discrimination as social determinants of health. Their impact on health is much greater than having access to healthcare (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2024).

Syrian refugees in Australia face discrimination daily. Race, ethnicity, and religion are the main reasons for discrimination against them (Human Rights Council of Australia [HRCA], n.d.). This type of social exclusion and prejudice can lead to serious mental and physical health challenges and can also cause social isolation and long-term stress and anxiety (AIHW, 2023). For Syrian refugees, social inclusion and non-discrimination are fundamental to the mental health of the entire community. (Department of Health, 2012).

Social inclusion and non-discrimination are essential for Syrian refugees in Australia, as being socially included and having access to crucial services will increase their emotional stability and boost their physical and mental health (Department of Health, 2012).

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Social isolation and loneliness. AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/health-wellbeing/social-isolation-and-loneliness

Sidoti, C. (2022). Without Prejudice: Discrimination and Refugees. Hrca.org.au. https://www.hrca.org.au/discrim%20and%20refugees.htm

Department of Health | Part II: Non-discrimination and social inclusion. (2012). Www1.Health.gov.au. https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/pub-sqps-rights-toc~pub-sqps-rights-2

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Any traumatic event in a person's life can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. "Refugees are more likely to have PTSD as rates are more than three times (15.3%) higher among people exposed to violent conflict or war" (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023).

The Syrian civil conflict is considered “the worst humanitarian crisis of the twenty-first century, with 12.6 million Syrians forcibly displaced, including 6.3 million refugees" (Khamis et al., 2020).

The frequency of PTSD among Syrian refugees residing in Amman was assessed in a 2019 study done in Jordan. It was shown that 38.7% of the study participants had PTSD. (Naja et al., 2021).

Factors like unemployment, loneliness, and uncertainty about asylum procedures can lead to PTSD (Khamis et al., 2020).

My responsibility as a nursing student is to diagnose PTSD patients through psychological evaluation and DSM-5 criteria, which includes therapies such as Cognitive therapy and exposure therapy, as well as antidepressants (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Factors like community support, self-care, and a secure environment are essential for recovering from PTSD (WHO, 2023).

Henkelmann, Jens-R., de Best, S., Deckers, C., Jensen, K., Shahab, M., Elzinga, B., & Molendijk, M. (2020b). Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in refugees resettling in high-income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis. BJPsych Open, 6(4). https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2020.54

Mayo Clinic. (2024). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - diagnosis and treatment - mayo clinic. Mayoclinic.org; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355973

Basheti, I. A., Ayasrah, S. M., & Al-Qudah, R. A. (2023). Post-traumatic stress disorders among Syrian refugees residing in non-camp settings in Jordan. Saudi Medical Journal, 44(1), 91–105. https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2023.44.1.20220701

World Health Organization. (2024, May 27). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder