Multicultural blog by

Traditional Medication Practiced

rebecca1313 — 2024-08-28 05:38:25 UTC

In Sudanese culture, traditional medicine relies on plants, herbs, and animals to treat illnesses like microbial infections, jaundice, and wounds (Karar & Kuhnert, 2017). Around 80% of African countries depend on traditional medicine for healthcare. Access to hospitals and modern drugs is limited due to the nomadic lifestyle of many Sudanese. Clairvoyants, midwives, or herbalists often diagnose these illnesses based on spiritual practices (Karar & Kuhnert, 2017). For instance, Acacia polyacantha is used to treat jaundice and rheumatic pain by smoking its leaves. In contrast, Acacia Senegal (Sinkatana) treats skin disorders by making the leaves into a paste (Karar & Kuhnert, 2017).

References

Karar, M. G. E & Kuhnert, N. (2017). Herbal Drugs From Sudan: Traditional Uses and Phytoconstituents. National

Library of Medicine, (22), 83-103. 10.4103/phrev.phrev_15_15

Karar, M. G. E & Kuhnert, N. (2017). Herbal Drugs From Sudan: Traditional Uses and Phytoconstituents. National Library of Medicine, (22), 83-103. 10.4103/phrev.phrev_15_15

Domain 1: Clinical Expert (1.1)

rebecca1313 — 2024-08-28 05:39:58 UTC

For me, the most important aspect was how every clinician needs to be aware of each patient's health characteristics. Some include education. Employment, age and gender (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). At first, I didn't realise how crucial it was to customise care to meet these demands, but I now understand how important it is to know each patient's background. Better patient outcomes are guaranteed by changing approaches because of these differences. These factors improve trust and personalised care, maximising patient satisfaction and health outcomes. This practice is essential for comprehensive, empathetic and compassionate care. In the future, I'll keep learning about diverse health benefits and cultural practices.

References

Migrant & refugee women’s health partnership. 2019. Culturally responsive clinical practice: working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Cultural Diversity Health. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

The Impact "Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination a WHO Determinant

rebecca1313 — 2024-08-28 06:00:31 UTC

Non-discrimination and social inclusion are social determinants that majorly impact refugees coming into Australia. These elements may affect a refugee's ability to obtain work, healthcare, and education. Non-discrimination and social inclusion can help them transition more easily into Australian culture (WHO, 2024). 30,000 South Sudanese people are currently living in Australia (Achol, 2019). Australia offers language classes to refugees through the Adult Migrant English program, according to (Department of Home Affairs, n.d.). With this education, refugees can settle down and live fulfilling lives in Australia by obtaining jobs, education and healthcare.

References

Achol, M. (2019). Mental health and wellbeing of South Sudanese Australians. Victoria University. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/39867/1/Mental_health_and_wellbeing_of_SouthSudanese-Australians.pdf

Department of Home Affairs. (n.d.). Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). Australian Government. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/amep/about-the-program

Achol, M. (2019). Mental health and wellbeing of South Sudanese Australians. Victoria University. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/39867/1/Mental_health_and_wellbeing_of_SouthSudanese-Australians.pdf

Common Health Issues Once Coming to Australia

rebecca1313 — 2024-08-28 06:11:30 UTC

Mental health problems like PTSD in the Sudanese culture are not discussed as it is a culture-related fear. In saying that, they are unwilling to seek help as there is a taboo relating to mental health (Achol, 2019). PTSD in Sudanese can stem from the civil wars, displacement and how the conditions of the refugee camps. According to (Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2022), arrangements like the psychosocial program have been shown to have promising effects on refugees' mental health and well-being. This education includes being informed on psychoeducation. This concept can allow opportunities for the refugees to talk to others who have experienced a similar situation (Refugee Health Guide, 2024).

References

Achol, M. (2019). Mental health and wellbeing of South Sudanese Australians. Victoria University. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/39867/1/Mental_health_and_wellbeing_of_SouthSudanese-Australians.pdf

Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2022). Understanding mental health and help-seeking behaviours in refugees. https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/understanding-mental-health-and-help-seeking-behaviours-refugees

Refugee Health Guide. (2024). Refugee health guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Food

rebecca1313 — 2024-08-28 06:13:23 UTC

Food is a big part of Sudanese culture. Due to most of the population being Muslims, lamb and chicken are the preferred types of meat. Their traditional food includes stews and gravies, which are eaten by hand (Third Rail Quarterly, n.d.). Females are still expected to make food as it is a collective habit that aligns with their values and beliefs (Sudanese Kitchen, 2024). Komounia is a traditional meal that is a type of stew using beef, liver, or lamb. It is served with rice. Another meal is Kisra, which is a spongy flatbread. It is made with stew for dipping or scooping the food (TasteAtlas, 2024).

References

Third Rail Quarterly. (n.d.). And in Sudan: A famished food culture. https://thirdrailquarterly.org/and-in-sudan-a-famished-food-culture/#:~:text=Sudanese%20cuisine%20consists%20of%20a,chicken%20are%20the%20preferred%20meats

Sudanese Kitchen. (2024). History of Sudanese cuisine. https://www.sudanese.kitchen/history#:~:text=Today%2C%20Sudanese%20cuisine%20consists%20of,of%20hot%20and%20cold%20drinks.

TasteAtlas. (2024). Best rated dishes in Sudan. https://www.tasteatlas.com/best-rated-dishes-in-sudan

Language

rebecca1313 — 2024-08-28 06:17:19 UTC

The Sudanese language is constantly changing because of the constant movement of the population due to civil wars, droughts and food security (UNESCO, n.d.). Sudan has been involved in an education that allows them to learn different languages for the last 40 years. This is called the joint literacy program. In the past ten years, this program has allowed the country to learn 17 languages, mainly English and Arabic (UNICEF, 2016). World Atlas (2024),says although the program allows the population to learn different languages, Arabic is Africa's most frequently used language.

References

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (n.d.). Convention for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage. https://ich.unesco.org/doc/src/00142-EN.pdf

UNICEF. (2016). Language and learning in South Sudan. https://www.unicef.org/esa/sites/unicef.org.esa/files/2018-09/UNICEF-2016-Language-and-Learning-South-Sudan.pdf

World Atlas. (2024). What languages are spoken in Sudan? World Atlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-languages-are-spoken-in-sudan.html

Religion

rebecca1313 — 2024-08-28 06:19:24 UTC

Most of the Sudanese population is Muslim and part of the Sunni branch. The Sunni branch is characterised by the makeup of the Muslim religious brotherhood (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024). According to (U.S. Department of State, 2021), 91% of the Sudanese population is Muslim, 5.4% is Christian, and 2.8% is folk religion. The Muslim religion forbids suicide as it is stigmatised, and mental health is frowned upon, which means people struggling with mental health are shamed in the community. Due to their religion, women's health issues are not to be discussed or spoken about with men, and men aren't to talk about their problems with women (Diversicare, 2022).

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024). Religion in Sudan. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sudan/Religion

U.S. Department of State. (2021). 2021 report on international religious freedom: Sudan. U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/sudan/

Diversicare. (2022). Cultural fact sheet: Sudanese. Diversicare. https://www.diversicare.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Cultural-Fact-Sheet_SUDANESE.pdf