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Non-discrimination and social inclusion are major social determinants of health. Iraqi refugees in Australia face exclusion from education, employment, and healthcare therfore leading to poor health outcomes. Many Iraqi’s face barriers such as financial difficulties, limited English proficiency and trauma-related mental health problems (AIHW, 2023). The discrimination and marginalisation of refugees lead to social isolation as well as increased risks of chronic illness and psychological distress and reduced access to services. Introduction of inclusive policies like bulk-billed GP services and culturally responsive care aim to support better health outcomes and integration for refugees (AIHW, 2023; Health Vic, 2024).

Social inclusion fosters trust in healthcare systems as well as improved mental and physical well being. Managing these determinants is essential in helping Iraqi refugees to rebuild their lives in Australia with dignity and health security.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia.https://www.aihw.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/2023/2023-november/first-report-gives-new-insight-into-the-health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants-in-australia

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia: Health services used by humanitarian entrants. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants/contents/health-service-use/health-services-used-by-humanitarian-entrants

Victorian Department of Health. (2024). Refugee and asylum seeker health and wellbeing. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/populations/refugee-and-asylum-seeker-health-and-wellbeing

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Traditional medicine in Iraq dates to the Sumerian period (3000–1970 B.C.), and then through the Babylonian and Assyrian civilisations, where cities like Babylon were centres of medical knowledge. Physicians from these times used medicinal plants (Al-Douri & Nedhal, 2014). This practice of medicinal plants has carried on and is still often used in modern day Iraq. One prominent medicinal plant is called black seed, it is used for digestive problems, respiratory issues, and immune support. Iraqi refugees often use herbal treatments till this day, reflecting ancient cultural ties to natural healing (Al-Douri & Nedhal, 2014). Many Iraqis rely on these medicinal plant remedies due to cultural familiarity and historical trust despite the availability of modern medicine.

Al-Douri, Nedhal. A. (2014). Some important medicinal plants in Iraq. International Journal of Advances in Herbal Alternative Medicine, 2(1), 10–20. https://academiascholarlyjournal.org/ijaham/publications/aug14/Nedhal_A_Al_Douri.pdf[1](https://academiascholarlyjournal.org/ijaham/publications/aug14/Nedhal_A_Al_Douri.pdf

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Iraqi refugees arriving to Australia face complex health challenges, with post traumatic stress disorder being one of the most common. The unfortunate but common exposure to war and displacement plays a key role in the high rates of psychological distress experienced by refugees. A recent study by Mahimbo et al. (2024) found that over 34% of refugees and humanitarian migrants in Australia experience post traumatic stress disorder. The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide recommends trauma-informed care as a key treatment approach. The basic principles of trauma informed care include trust, emotional safety, as well as using culturally sensitive communication (Australian Refugee Health, 2025).  Recent research shows that social connection, a sense of belonging, and culturally responsive care are just some factors that improve the mental health outcomes for Iraqi refugees (Collins et al., 2023).

Mahimbo, A., Hayen, A., & Dawson, A. (2024) Refugees in Australia are miles behind in health and wellbeing. University of Technology Sydney. https://www.uts.edu.au/news/2024/08/refugees-australia-are-miles-behind-health-and-wellbeing

Collins, J., Krivokapic-Skoko, B., & Reid, C. (2023) Refuge and family futures in Australia: Settlement outcomes for recently arrived refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. University of Technology Sydney. https://www.uts.edu.au/news/2023/08/refuge-and-family-futures-australia-settlement-outcomes-recently-arrived-refugees-syria-iraq-and-afghanistan

Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. (2025) Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/[1](https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/)

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Culturally responsive clinical practice in nursing

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Culturally responsive clinical practice in nursing

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As a student of nursing, I aim to provide care that honours and respects the diverse cultural backgrounds of my patients. Competency Standard 1.2 from the competency standards framework for clinicians (2019) shines a light on the importance of understanding how a patient's cultural beliefs and migration experiences can shape their health outcomes and how those experiences also change the way we assess, diagnose and treat patients through trauma-informed care (Competency standards framework for clinicians, 2019).

Although I have not been on placement yet, I am reflecting on how I can apply this to my future practice as a nurse, I aim to use trauma-informed practice to approach each of my patients with respect for their individual circumstances and seek to understand their cultural background and the impact it has on their health. I will use interpreters when needed and avoid assumptions about compliance or understanding.

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. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. https://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/4578910/mod_resource/content/4/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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Former nurse and traditional healer Salam Alaji

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Former nurse and traditional healer Salam Alaji

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Extra post

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Traditional healer takes on doctors in Iraq