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In traditional Ukrainian culture, there is a wide range of folk healing practices combining symbolic rituals along with herbal medicine. Some of these common remedies include herbal teas, for example chamomile for relaxation, linden flowers for colds, and St. John’s wort for mood regulation. Along with these herbal remedies, the Ukrainian culture have used and practiced ritual cleansing for generations, using items such as eggs or bread that have been believed to absorb illnesses, while also using enchanted water to purify and heal (Ignatenko, 2025).

These generational practices reflect and show the strong role of belief and faith in the healing process and emphasises a general holistic approach to health. Previous historical records also reveal that folk healers (“znakhari”) are highly respected and appreciated within the rural communities, allowing both spiritual and practical remedies (Yatsentiuk, 2024).

To this day, traditional medicine continues to remain an important part of the Ukrainian cultural continuity and identity, particularly across the displaced populations, especially when seeking familiarity and comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.

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Mental illness is a universal health problem in Ukrainian refugees, with war and displacement-related PTSD and depression are a specific problem (ARHPG, 2022). Common health issues such as worry, difficulty sleeping, and flashbacks may become more present. Trauma-informed care and early referral to the appropriate service are recommended based on the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide (ARHPG, 2022).

An example of one of the principal interventions is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), which has strong evidence for PTSD and depression (ACPMH, 2013). CBT helps individuals to learn how to reframe negative thoughts and become more confident in daily life. Although I have not yet provided this care as a student nurse, I am learning to appreciate how important it will be to know when patients require care and how to encourage them to work with mental health services. Following this guide allows me to enhance my readiness to integrate into culturally safe, holistic practice in the future.

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The WHO social determinant of non-discrimination and social inclusion is found to greatly affect the health of refugees. As a result, the effect of displaced Ukrainians from war may have language difficulties, stigma, and job loss that lead to stress, anxiety, and worse health consequences (WHO, 2022). Meanwhile, exclusion from housing or healthcare undermines wellbeing, but inclusive community interventions promote resilience and belonging. For example, Ukrainian cultural associations in Australia offering language lessons and peer support reduce isolation and facilitate use of healthcare (Ziersch et al., 2020). Recent evidence suggests discrimination is linked to more chronic illness and depression, and inclusion is linked to increased trust in healthcare providers and successful long-term integration (Chen et al., 2017).

As nurses, it is important to actively encourage non-discriminatory practice and promote anti-discriminatory policies to enable Ukrainian refugees to feel valued and supported.

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As a current nursing student, I am still developing my practice and skills however, I aim to apply the Competency Standard 1.3: Demonstrates culturally responsive communication skills from the Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework (CEH, 2018).

It's my understanding that Ukrainian refugees may experience language barriers and the stress of displacement, which could greatly affect their comfort in healthcare settings. In my future practice, I plan to use professional interpreters rather than relying on family, as this ensures confidentiality and accurate communication. If explaining medication, I would ask patients to repeat the information back to me (also known as 'teach-back') to check understanding. Reflecting on this framework reminds me of the importance of patience, listening, and respecting cultural differences. This approach will help me provide safe, person-centred care and encourage Ukrainian patients to actively participate in decisions about their health.

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Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Guide for Clinicians Working with Interpreters in Healthcare Settings. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Guide-for-clinicians-working-with-interpreters-in-healthcare-settings-Jan2019.pdf?

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. https://cbrhl.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Culturally-responsive-clinica.pdf?

Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health . (2024). Working with Interpreters - Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health. Ceh.org.au. https://www.ceh.org.au/resource-hub/category/communication/interpreters

Due, C., Ziersch, A., Walsh, M., & Duivesteyn, E. (2020). Housing and health for people with refugee- and asylum-seeking backgrounds: a photovoice study in Australia . Housing Studies, 37(9), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2020.1857347

Ignatenko, I. (2025). Healing Practices in Ukrainian Culture. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/852555542/Healing-Practices-in-Ukrainian-Culture

Singleton, G., Hocking, D., Gardiner, J., & Paxton, G. (2025). Mental Health. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

World Health Organization. (2022). Refugee and Migrant Health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/refugee-and-migrant-health

World Health Organization. (2025). Social Determinants of Health. World Health Organization . https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Yatsentiuk, H. (2024). Traditional Medicine and its Role in the Traditional Culture of Ukrainians: a Brief Historical Overview. Ethnic History of European Nations, 73, 26–31. https://doi.org/10.17721/2518-1270.2024.73.03

Ziersch, A., Walsh, M., Due, C., & Duivesteyn, E. (2017). Exploring the Relationship between Housing and Health for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in South Australia: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(9), 1036. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14091036