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Health Belief (Betel Chewing: A Cultural Practice with Health Implications)

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Health Belief (Betel Chewing: A Cultural Practice with Health Implications)

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In Burma, people chew betel daily which is a rising threat to the country's healthcare system. Although it is a cultural phenomenon, its outcome is poor oral health or oral cancer and gum disease. Burmese people should be advocated on healthy practices while also respecting their culture. An example could be encouraging them to use tobacco-free betel (Anadolu Ajansi, n.d.).

Anadolu Ajansı. (n.d.). Myanmar's deadly betel-chewing habit. Anadolu Ajansı. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/myanmars-deadly-betel-chewing-habit/1284014

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Screenshot of Culturally responsive clinical practice Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds in LMS

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Clinical Expert Reflection (Reflecting on Culturally Responsive Care in Burmese Health Practices)

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Clinical Expert Reflection (Reflecting on Culturally Responsive Care in Burmese Health Practices)

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For me, the most significant aspect of being a nurse would be treating all patients with equity regardless of their cultural differences, age, sex, or individual abilities. Having developed my understanding of Competency 1.1, I now know how to promote cultural competence while dealing with Burmese patients. My strategy involves a discussion about the harmful effects of chewing betel in the long run, while also respecting its cultural importance. I understand and acknowledge their culture and migrant/refugee status as significant social determinants of health (Culturally Responsible Clinical Practice, 2019). This understanding could be useful for me to identify the obstacles my patients have overcome as Burmese refugees and provide care based on their experiences.

Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. (2019). Competency standards framework for clinicians.

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Social Inclusion and Non-discrimination (Supporting Burmese Cultural Practices While Promoting Health)

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Social Inclusion and Non-discrimination (Supporting Burmese Cultural Practices While Promoting Health)

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For refugees arriving from Burma to Australia, social inclusion and non-discrimination play an important role in their overall health and well-being (WHO, 2024). To improve their health outcomes, it is vital to understand their cultural practices, such as chewing betel. Betel chewing is like a bridge that keeps the Burmese connected and their culture. However, it is often misunderstood as a bad habit/practice in Australia resulting in social exclusion and discrimination. As a result, it can make the Burmese refugees feel judged and can impact their mental health negatively. Refugees who feel excluded are less likely to access health services and may face health implications.

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. Retrieved October 3, 2023, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

Wang, T., Stella, A., Jawiche, J., Jiang, L., Crossen, K., Scallon, S., Sama, J., Eggan, B., & Mason, H. R. C. (2022). Working With Burmese Patients: Understanding Historical and Cultural Contexts to Improve Health Care Access and Health Status. MedEdPORTAL : the journal of teaching and learning resources, 18, 11260. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11260

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Health Issues and Treatment Options (Addressing Oral Health in Burmese Communities)

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Health Issues and Treatment Options (Addressing Oral Health in Burmese Communities)

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Being a country where betel chewing is very popular, Burma is a place where even minors die from oral cancers (ESMO, 2017). Fighting these health problems will require culturally appropriate strategies. It is possible to advocate the use of culturally appropriate substitutes for commercial tobacco, such as non-tobacco components, to reduce these dangers and preserve cultural traditions. We can also practice simple preventive measures such as regular dental exams and heightened awareness of the risks associated with this habit. If the betel chewing habit takes an unfortunate turn and results in oral cancer, the treatment options are; surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. These treatment options depend on the cancer's location and stage (Mayo Clinic, 2024).

ESMO. (2017). Study finds all Myanmar mouth cancer patients chew betel quid. ESMO Media Releases. https://www.esmo.org/newsroom/press-and-media-hub/esmo-media-releases/nwe-betel-chewing-tahara-372p

Vital Strategies. (2017, September 11). Myanmar cancer victims reveal deadly dangers of betel chewing in new national media campaign. Vital Strategies. https://www.vitalstrategies.org/myanmar-cancer-victims-reveal-deadly-dangers-betel-chewing-new-national-media-campaign/

Mayo Clinic. (2024, April 30). Mouth cancer - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351002

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AI-generated picture using DALL-E of the creation of instructional materials in Burmese language using the prompt harmful effects of betel chewing on oral health in Burmese and English

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Language (The Importance of Language in Burmese Health Communication) 

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Language (The Importance of Language in Burmese Health Communication) 

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Community language is crucial in health communications; particularly with the Burmese. One of the basic elements of effective education is giving health information in the patient's native tongue, which also facilitates better communication between the patient and the healthcare provider (Hemberg & Sved, 2021). Meaningful interpretation or the creation of instructional materials in Burmese can increase concrete outcomes by providing health assertions. Additionally, this shows respect for the patient's cultural background, which enhances adherence to medical interventions. In providing effective, culturally sensitive healthcare, recognising the language plays a crucial factor.

Hemberg, J., & Sved, E. (2021). The significance of communication and care in one’s mother tongue: Patients’ views. Nordic Journal of Nursing Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/2057158519877794

Griffin, G., Ali, M., Nau, S. Z., Riggs, E., & Dantas, J. A. R. (2022). Accessing and navigating healthcare: A scoping review of the experiences of women of refugee background from Myanmar. Health & social care in the community, 30(6), e3459–e3476. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13955

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Food (Traditional Burmese Cuisine: Balancing Culture and Health)

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Food (Traditional Burmese Cuisine: Balancing Culture and Health)

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Two of the most well-known traditional meals in Burma's cuisine, which is an essential component of their culture, are Mohinga and Laphet. Even while the nutritional value and flavour associated with these dishes are revered, it is now known that they might have far higher nutrient contents when prepared healthily (Myae, 2022). Many will discover in doing so that the health benefits of these delicious foods can be significantly increased in ways that help us without sacrificing their cultural heritage, for example, by reducing the amount of oil used during cooking and integrating a larger variety of vegetables. This cooking method guarantees the preservation of Myanmar's vibrant culinary culture and promotes improved health among its people.

Myae, A. (2022, March 23). MohHinGar: Nutritional and health benefits! Moe Myanmar Foods. https://aagreenillafood.com/mohhingar-nutritional-and-health-benefits/

Nila's Burmese Kitchen Adventures. (2018, June 17). What is Burmese food? 4 most typical dishes. Nila's Burmese Kitchen Adventures. https://nilasburmesekitchenadventures.blog/2018/06/17/what-is-burmese-food/

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Religion (The Influence of Buddhism on Health Practices in Burma)

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Religion (The Influence of Buddhism on Health Practices in Burma)

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In Burma another from the Theravadin Buddhism-led mindfulness meditation traditions, shows that: such practices had a positive impact on well-being and behavioral health (Schödwell, Steinhäuser, & Auckenthaler, 2019). Incorporated within health care, such practices broaden beyond therapeutic interventions addressing the patient's spiritual beliefs. Similarly, especially when meditation is part of the lifestyle. It is one of those best profitsood for Mental and Emotional Healthorts that can be gained with doing so. It is culturally congruent with patients of Burmese background as it respects the Buddhist tradition. This highlights the importance of spirituality-related components during medical care, one linked to higher treatment adherence and patient satisfaction.

Schödwell, S., Steinhäuser, T., & Auckenthaler, A. (2019). 'Genetic loading' or 'evil mind': current conceptions of depression in Myanmar from the perspective of healthcare professionals. BJPsych international, 16(2), 43–46. https://doi.org/10.1192/bji.2018.12