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I focused on Competency Standard 1.2(cultural safety), understanding that many Syrian refugees experience a significant amount of trauma due to conflict, displacement, and psychology related trauma, which must be addressed specially with trauma-informed care.(Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework, 2019). According to World Health Organisation, 2025, nearly 50% of  the hospitals in Syria were not functioning and more than 15 million people were in need of care. This reminds me of the vast physical and psychological vulnerabilities that the Syrian patients can expose themselves to the clinical treatment provisions. I should communicate in a trauma-informed manner, such as by discussing each step, providing options and seeking consent to prevent further traumatisation.(2025 hunger crisis in Syria, 2025). Moreover, during assessment, ensuring privacy, reducing interruptions, and checking patient’s comfort are very crucial. In future, I intend to evaluate my assessments to enhance safety and trust amongst the refugee and migrants.

Reference

Competency standards framework - migrant & refugee women’s health partnership. (2019).

https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/competency-standards-framework/

Syrian Arab Republic: Humanitarian Response Priorities (January to December 2025). (2025, July 24). Unocha.org. https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/syrian-arab-republic/syrian-arab-republic-humanitarian-response-priorities-january-december-2025()

Syrian Arab Republic: WHO Health Emergency Appeal 2024. (2024). Who.int. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/syria-who-health-emergency-appeal-2024

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ASSESSING WHO SOCIAL DETERMINENT OF HEALTH:

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ASSESSING WHO SOCIAL DETERMINENT OF HEALTH:

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Social inclusion and non-discrimination are pivotal WHO social determinants of health, and it significantly influence the well-being of Syrian refugees in Australia. As discrimination experienced by an individual due to ethnic, religious, or being a refugee may increase stress, anxiety, and depression (Ziersch, Due, & Walsh, 2020). On the other hand, inclusive environments where there is a sense of belonging and engagement can improve mental well-being and effective engagement into Australian society (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The studies demonstrate that refugees who socially experience exclusion have higher chances of complicating their healthcare access, eventually resulting in a poorer state of health (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2023). other factors like discrimination and social exclusion can also worsen mental health in refugees. These concerns should be addressed based on the Policies that foster social inclusion and practices to enhance health and well-being among Syrian refugees in Australia. By fostering social cohesion and reducing discrimination practices, Australia can improve the resettlement process of refugees by ensuring a better health and an inclusive society.

References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia.

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants

World Health Organization. (2022). Refugee and migrant health.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/refugee-and-migrant-health

Ziersch, A., Due, C., & Walsh, M. (2020). Discrimination: A health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health, 20, 108.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3

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Syrian refugees arriving in Australia often faces health challenges, mainly due to the war, displacement, and the inaccessibility of healthcare. One of the common health concern is the post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), as many of the refugees experiences anxiety and depression and the guilt of surviving a war (Steel et al., 2009). Therefore, culturally adapted cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a solution that is culturally adapted with trauma-informed care. This reflects Syrians cultural beliefs, language needs, and spiritual support, which can significantly enhance engagement and recovery over time.(Nickerson et al., 2011). Nurses should also integrate conventional medicine with treatment, developing trust and improving mental health (Kirmayer et al., 2011). Culturally conscious care implies that the refugees do not feel disrespected and are understood in accordance with the best practices of the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide (2020). By employing this culturally safe nursing practices and interventions, Syrian refugees will have a smoother process of treatment and they would heal both physically and mentally here in Australia.

References:

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2018). Refugee health: Comprehensive clinical guide. Foundation House.

https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Kirmayer, L. J., Narasiah, L., Muñoz, M., Rashid, M., Ryder, A. G., Guzder, J., & Pottie, K. (2011). Common mental health problems in immigrants and refugees: General approach in primary care. CMAJ, 183(12), E959–E967.

https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.090292

Nickerson, A., Bryant, R. A., Silove, D., & Steel, Z. (2011). A critical review of psychological treatments of posttraumatic stress disorder in refugees. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(3), 399–417.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.02.003

Steel, Z., Chey, T., Silove, D., Marnane, C., Bryant, R. A., & van Ommeren, M. (2009). Association of torture and other potentially traumatic events with mental health outcomes among populations exposed to mass conflict and displacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 302(5), 537–549.

https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2009.1132

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In Syria, herbal steam baths are commonly used as a traditional form of health practice (zhourat). These are prepared by boiling herbs like thyme, sage and oregano. They inhale the steam and it is said to clear coughs, congestion, and improve wellbeing in general.Even though Scientific evidence on steam inhalation is not profoundly stated, many Syrians believe that it is beneficial in alleviating breathing issues, and also offers cultural relief to many Syrians (Kanaan and Asad, 2019; Smith, 2018).  Mental health, especially, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and grief are one of the most traumatic issues experienced by Syrian refugees. According to the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, these conditions are commonly associated with war, loss and a forced displacement (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, n.d.; RACGP, 2019). This guide suggests the implementation of trauma-informed care, which begins with getting wellbeing checks before talking about traumatic experiences.It can be treated through making a referral to counselling, group therapy or culturally sensitive support.

Reference

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (n.d.). Australian Refugee Health.

https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Kanaan, M., & Asad, L. (2019). Traditional use of herbal steam (zhourat) for respiratory health in Syrian communities. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 240, Article 111896.