All about Burmese Culture by Yu Wang

Religion

nancyxnbmackay — 2024-08-23 06:00:41 UTC

Burma is a highly diverse country with approximately 135 ethnic groups with distinct histories, cultures, religions, and languages. Currently, nearly 89.8% of the population is Buddhist. However, there is still a significant minority of other religious groups, such as Christians, Animists, and Muslims as well (De La Perriere, Benedicte Brac, 2009).

Burmese’s religious beliefs are highly incorporated into their understanding of health practices and daily life. Many Burmese patients may prioritize meditation and praying as part of their healing process (Kim et al., 2023). For example, a Buddhist minister or monk must be present to provide chaplaincy services when a Buddhist is dying (Marianne Matzo-CNP & Deborah Witt Sherman, 2018).

References:

De La Perriere, Benedicte Brac. (2009). An Overview of the Field of Religion in Burmese Studies. Asian Ethnology, 68(2), 185-210.

Kim, E. E., Alemi, Q., Stempel, C., & Siddiq, H. (2023). Health disparities among Burmese diaspora: An integrative review. The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia, 8, 100083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lansea.2022.100083

Marianne Matzo-CNP, F., & Deborah Witt Sherman, A. (2018). Palliative care nursing: Quality care to the end of life (5th ed.). Springer Publishing Company.

Hot and Cold Elements in Burmese Food

nancyxnbmackay — 2024-08-23 15:33:04 UTC

References:

Queensland Health. Community Profiles for Health Care Providers-Burmese Profile. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/155835/burmese2011.pdf

State of Queensland, Metro South Health. https://www.metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/242252/heau-cultural-profile-burmese.pdf

Yin, S. M. (2013). CultureShock! Myanmar: A survival guide to customs and etiquette. Marshall Cavendish International Asia Pte.

Thanaka

nancyxnbmackay — 2024-08-23 17:04:52 UTC

Thanaka, a yellowish-white paste painted to the face in an attractive design, has a history of over 2000 yearsand is a staple in Burmese skincare (Banerjee, 2023). It is made by grinding the bark of the Thanaka tree (Hesperethusa crenulate) and mixing it with water (Giuliani et al., 2021).

As a cultural heritage, Thanaka has aesthetic and cultural significance!

Moreover, Burmese love to apply it to the face and body for the following functions:

Remove acne;

Smooth skin;

Protect from sunburn;

Provide anti-fungal protection;

Whiten skin spots and chloasma (Martini & Valle, 2015).

References:

Banerjee, H. (2023). Sikhs of Burma. Sikh Formations, 19(3), 219-241. https://doi.org/10.1080/17448727.2023.2187923

Giuliani, A., Undurraga, J. T., Dunkel, T., & Aung, S. M. (2021). Access and benefit sharing and the sustainable trade of biodiversity in Myanmar: The case of Thanakha. Sustainability, 13(22), 12372. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212372

Martini, L., & Valle, A. (2015). Burmese thanaka powder and Benedict’s reagent to struggle the liaison dangereuse: Inverse psoriasis plus intertrigo. Our Dermatology Online, 6(4), 411-414. https://doi.org/10.7241/ourd.20154.110

A traditional Burmese medicine-Prunus cerasoides

nancyxnbmackay — 2024-08-25 06:43:09 UTC

Among the traditional herbal medicine in Myanmar, Prunus cerasoides (Himalayan wild cherry) is considered the most valuable plant (Ong et al., 2018). This edible medicinal plant is a species of the family Rosaceae, with a tree growing up to 30m with glossy ringed bark. The fruit is characterized by its polyphenols content, while its seed contains a high percentage of fatty acids (Raafat et al., 2020).

The seed is used as a remedy for stones and gravel, and the juice of the bark is for diarrhea, edema, venereal disease, and malarial fever (DeFilipps & Krupnick, 2018). It has been proved that Prunus cerasoides has gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-nociceptive effects (Raafat et al., 2020).

References:

DeFilipps, R. A., & Krupnick, G. A. (2018). The medicinal plants of Myanmar.

Ong, H. G., Ling, S. M., Win, T. T., Kang, D., Lee, J., & Kim, Y. (2018). Ethnobotany of wild medicinal plants used by the Müün ethnic people: A quantitative survey in southern Chin State, Myanmar. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 13, 91-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2017.09.006

Raafat, K., El-Darra, N., & Saleh, F. A. (2020). Gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of prunus cerasus phytochemicals and their possible mechanisms of action. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 10(4), 345-353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2019.06.001

Reflection on standard 3.3 in Domain 1

nancyxnbmackay — 2024-08-26 03:29:04 UTC

For me, the most meaningful learning of 3.3 in Domain 1 was understanding the importance of not relying on minors, family members, or web-based translation for interpretation (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019).

I have improved my understanding of the need for professional interpreters.

Having analyzed the disadvantages, I now realize the potential for privacy issues and miscommunication.

This understanding will be useful to me in the workplace because it avoids the risks of inaccurate information delivery and other ethical issues.

Because I did not think it was inappropriate before, I will now need to ensure professional interpreters are involved if possible.

Previously, I thought family members were more reliable.

Alternatively, this could be because of less awareness of the professional expertise of interpreters in handling clinical communication.

Reference:

Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019, January). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/competency-standards/about-the-standards/.

Social determinant: social inclusion& non-discrimination

nancyxnbmackay — 2024-08-26 05:11:31 UTC

Experiences of being discriminated against or excluded from society by Burmese refugees in Australia can lead to mental health problems and physical health deterioration. According to the study, 90% of those who experienced discrimination reported that it negatively impacted their general health (Ziersch et al., 2020). Furthermore, a lack of post-migration inclusivity caused increased anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms of psychiatric conditions (Schweitzer et al., 2011).

Therefore, to improve the well-being and health of Burmese refugees in Australia, we have to promote inclusivity and minimize discrimination. For example, implementing related supportive policies and community programs helped Burmese women to reduce stress and gain better access to health services (Griffin et al., 2022).

References:

Griffin, G., Nau, S. Z., Ali, M., Riggs, E., & Dantas, J. A. (2022). Seeking health information: A qualitative study of the experiences of women of refugee background from Myanmar in Perth, Western Australia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(6), 3289. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063289

Schweitzer, R. D., Brough, M., Vromans, L., & Asic-Kobe, M. (2011). Mental health of newly arrived Burmese refugees in Australia: Contributions of pre-migration and post-migration experience. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 45(4), 299-307. https://doi.org/10.3109/00048674.2010.543412

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

Helicobacter pylori

nancyxnbmackay — 2024-08-26 06:48:14 UTC

According to a retrospective study of Burmese refugees at an Australian teaching hospital, 80% of them have helicobacter pylori infection (Chaves et al., 2009).

H. pylori is a type of bacterium destroying the protective mucosal layer of the stomach. The colonization persists for years or decades, and some carriers may not have any symptoms. The infection can lead to chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, stomach ulcers, and even stomach cancer (Marieb & Hoehn, 2022).

A 7-day course of acid suppression therapy with a proton pump inhibitor alongside amoxicillin and clarithromycin is recommended for treatment (pregnancy categories are different), while for children, a 14-day treatment is recommended (Australian Refugee Health, 2024).

References:

Australian Refugee Health » Primary Care for People of Refugee Backgrounds. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Chaves, N. J., Gibney, K. B., Leder, K., O’Brien, D. P., Marshall, C., & Biggs, B. (2009). Screening practices for infectious diseases among Burmese refugees in Australia. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 15(11), 1769-1772. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1511.090777

Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. N. (2022). Human anatomy & physiology. Pearson Higher Ed.