Sudanese Culture by

Traditional Medicine

7qy477v8hd — 2024-08-28 13:12:50 UTC

Hibiscus sabdariffa (also known as Roselle) is one of the most common medicinal plants used in Sudan. It’s cultivated in most parts of Sudan, but its natural habitat is in Southern Sudan, where it was domesticated before 4000 BC (Mohamed, B. Sulaiman, A., & Dahab, A, 2012). A liquid containing the plant is boiled to create a concentrated liquor that is taken orally. The decoction is used as an antimicrobial agent and an antispasmodic and can help hypertension, colds and fevers. The plant extract has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive properties that promote health. It’s also commonly ingested as a herbal tea, which the Sudanese use to soothe colds, clear mucous and blocked nose, help digestion and reduce fever.

Mohamed, B. Sulaiman, A., & Dahab, A. (2012). Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in Sudan, Cultivation and Their Uses, Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences vol 1 (6), page 48-54. https://bepls.com/may2012/10.pdf

Importance of Social Inclusion

7qy477v8hd — 2024-08-28 13:13:56 UTC

There are between 25,000-30,000 Sudanese refugees living in Australia, according to (International Rescue Committee, 2024). People are forced to leave Sudan because of violence resulting from war between The Sudanese Armed Forces, and The Rapid Support Forces. Many Sudanese people seeking refuge in Australia are faced with depression, anxiety, PTSD and insomnia. The Social Determinant of Health “Social inclusion and non-discrimination” is paramount in helping Sudanese Refugees feel safe and welcome in Australia. Creating an environment that is free from discrimination ensures that they have easy access to healthcare, mental health support, social support, economic support, and an overall improved quality of life. When Sudanese refugees experience social inclusion, they are more likely to experience improved health outcomes.

International Rescue Committee. (2024, June 24). Crisis in Sudan: What is happening and how to help. www.rescue.org. https://www.rescue.org/article/crisis-sudan-what-happening-and-how-help

Domain 1

7qy477v8hd — 2024-08-28 13:14:17 UTC

For me, the most significant part of competency standard 1.2 is to recognise the impact of traumatic events that refugee patients may have experienced (Migrant and Refugee Womens Health Partnership, 2019). I have developed my knowledge of the danger many Sudanese people live in and learned about the violence some experience. Having learned this, I now realise that many refugees would have experienced similar trauma, which would impact their health and mental health. Because I am not yet confident in providing care to people who have experienced trauma, I will now need to learn more about the approach I should use. Previously, I did not realise the impact that these serious events would have on a person. I believe this might be because I am lucky to live in a safe country where I have not experienced the dangers that some of my patients may have experienced.

Migrant and Refugee Womens Health Partnership, (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Common Health Issues in Sudanese Refugees

7qy477v8hd — 2024-08-28 13:14:49 UTC

A major health issue for Sudanese refugees arriving in Australia is gastrointestinal infections (Diarrheal disease). “A Western Australian infectious disease screening study of 2,111 refugees in 2003-2004” found that 27% of Sudanese refugees arriving in Australia had a form of GIT infection (Queensland Health Multicultural Services, 2011). This results from a lack of tolerable water, hygiene and sanitation. A stool microscopy can be performed to determine whether a person has parasites that may have caused a gastrointestinal infection. Two treatment options are available for Sudanese refugees who have tested positive for GIT parasites. Empiric single-dose albendazole therapy, or Mebendazole. Both options take 3 days and should alleviate the symptoms of the infection (Australian Refugee Health, n.d.)

Badawi, M., SalahEldin, M., Idris, A., Idris, E., & Mohamed, S. (2024). Diarrheal diseases prevalence among children of Sudan and socio-cultural risks related; systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infectious Diseases, 24, 30. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-023-08920-7

Queensland Health Multicultural Services (2011). Sudanese Australians. Queensland Government. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/157378/sudanese2011.pdf

Sudanese greetings

7qy477v8hd — 2024-08-28 13:15:32 UTC

When greeting another person, the Sudanese use social titles such as aunty and uncle, as it’s seen as disrespectful to call an older person by their name. It is also important to use the title of haj (male) and haja (female) for elders. It is acceptable to use the first name when greeting friends and people of similar age.

The right hand should be used for greetings as the left hand is considered ‘uncleaned’. The right hand should be used for activities such as giving items, eating and waving.

Diversicare explains that Sudanese people lift their right hand and say “Assalamu Aleikum”, which means “peace upon you”, to greet a large group. It’s the socially accepted greeting used for group settings (Diversicare, 2021).

Fact Sheet SUDANESE. Page 3. http://www.diversicare.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Cultural-Fact-Sheet_SUDANESE.pdf

Food as a Part of the Sudanese Culture

7qy477v8hd — 2024-08-28 13:16:20 UTC

Food is an important part of being social in the Sudanese culture. Sudanese often eat in large groups outdoors, especially during Ramadan. Sharing the same fish is common for these groups. When eating, people use the right hand specifically as it is considered the ‘clean hand’. In most cases, men and women eat separately from each other.

The Sudanese diet consists largely of vegetables and greens, as well as halal meats (including chicken, sheep, fish, beef and goat). Pork is not a part of the diet (Diversicare, 2021).

Diversicare (2021), Cultural Fact Sheet SUDANESE. Page 4. http://www.diversicare.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Cultural-Fact-Sheet_SUDANESE.pdf

Sudanese Mens Clothing

7qy477v8hd — 2024-08-29 02:00:03 UTC

Sudanese men traditionally wear a long, loose-fitting dress called a galabias (Galaledin. A, 2023). This ankle-length garment is collarless and features wide sleeves, sometimes with sewn-in pockets for carrying small items. Light or brown colours help reflect heat, while the loose design allows for airflow and reduces sweating. They also wear a headdress and traditional shoes, known as Marquinhos, often made from local leather or crocodile skin.

Galaledin, A. (2023). Women’s and Men’s Clothing in Sudan. www.akem.org https://www.akem.org.tr/post/women-s-and-men-s-clothing-in-sudan