My Australian Culture by https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj NUR137 BLOG en-us 2023-10-09 09:33:31 UTC 2023-10-09 10:35:41 UTC hello@padlet.com My Definition of Health 34465823_ https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737875271 Health to me includes physical, mental, and social well-being. Physical well-being enables me to participate in activities I enjoy, such as sports and is necessary for my daily living. Mental health is important for me to help me stay on top of the challenges going on in my life. Furthermore, it drives me to chase my goals and reach my full potential. Social well-being includes being able to share my interests and beliefs with others around me while simultaneously being valued and respected for who I am. I believe these three aspects of health are essential for living a fulfilling life and functioning in society.

]]> 2023-10-09 09:40:10 UTC https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737875271 Domain 7 34465823_ https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737934611 I believe that to properly implement Domain 7 into my future career as a nurse, I need to understand how my experiences and values shape my worldview, respect the individual's wants and needs, and minimise stereotypes and prejudice. Previously, I had not thought of how culture influences the healthcare environment. After participating in NUR136 and NUR137, I can imagine how I would feel in another country with different food, languages, and beliefs and how this could impact me. This has helped me to recognise how valuable simple changes are to minimising cultural barriers in healthcare. This understanding of cultural differences is something I can continue to build on as I experience and learn the varied aspects of cultures. It is still important to have a person-centred focus, as individuals may share many similarities with a culture, but there may be variations in their needs. Cultural care is emphasised for those with a refugee background due to persecution, abuse, and being forced out of their home that they may have experienced. This understanding will be useful to me in the workplace to respond to and respect cultures while also providing individualised care.


Migrant and Refugee Women’s 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

]]> 2023-10-09 10:28:37 UTC https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737934611 Impact of Social Determinants 34465823_ https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737937397 Social determinants can often significantly influence people's lives, having a long-term impact on their overall well-being. The World Health Organisation (2023) discusses the different types of social determinants. One area that has a significant role in immigrant and refugee health in Australia is ‘income and social protection’. Individuals or families travelling from dangerous situations may pay exorbitant amounts of money on their journey, which may leave them financially struggling when they arrive in Australia. Those who are suffering from financial difficulty may not be able to afford enough food, adequate housing, and other basic amenities, potentially resulting in poor health (Torlinska et al., 2020).

Another social determinant is ‘unemployment and job insecurity’. A contributing factor to finding work is the individual's existing health. Those who are not physically or mentally healthy may not be able to work enough hours or to the employer's standard, making them a less likely candidate. Language and cultural barriers could also determine potential employment opportunities. Additionally, discrimination based on these barriers and their race and ethnicity can impact job recruitment (Kosny et al., 2017).

When finding an income is essential and work opportunities are limited, individuals may be more likely to take on lower-quality jobs. ‘Working life conditions’, a social determinant, play an important role in someone's well-being. Kosny et al. (2017) highlight how immigrants are more likely to take on jobs that are less desirable and usually more difficult and hazardous. This can result in more injuries associated with this type of labour. Similarly, they may work nightshifts, have unstructured work hours, and have fewer work-related benefits. Employers may also exploit desperate job seekers, paying less for hard work. Factors that can amplify immigrant and refugee poor working conditions can include insufficient knowledge about their rights and access to services that support fair terms of employment (Kosny et al., 2017).


Kosny, A., Santos, I., & Reid, A. (2017). Employment in a “land of opportunity?” immigrants’ experiences of racism and discrimination in the Australian workplace. Int. Migration & Integration 18, 483-497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-016-0482-0

Torlinska, J., Albani, V., & Brown, H. (2020). Financial hardship and health in a refugee population in Australia: A longitudinal study. Journal of Migration and Health 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmh.2020.100030. 

World Health Organization. (2023). https://www.who.int/

]]> 2023-10-09 10:30:52 UTC https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737937397 Health Concerns for Refugees 34465823_ https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737941859 Country focus: Syria

In 2011 a civil war broke out in Syria, forcing many from their home. Even before the war, Syria was an extremely poor country and had a strict regime on its population. Since 2022, more than half the population has been displaced, with many fleeing the country (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2023). Australia has contributed financial aid and other resources and services to help Syrian refugees. Additionally, the Australian Government has increased the number of Syrian refugees to resettle in Australia (Department of Parliamentary Services, 2016). Three common health concerns for Syrian refugees are vaccine-preventable diseases, anaemia, and skin infections (The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, 2023).

Some vaccine-preventable diseases are DTPa, Polio, Hep B, MMR, Varicella, and HPV. Before the war, immunisation rates were 95% compared to post-war at 45% (The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, 2023). The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide (ARHPG) (2023) recommends assessing for any prior vaccinations and developing a plan to administer any required doses.

Anaemia is when the blood has insufficient functional red blood cells. Symptoms can include fatigue and dizziness and can be tested with a full-blood examination. The ARHPG (2023) suggests treating anaemia with iron and B12 supplements and increasing the intake of iron-rich foods.

Skin infections can include parasitic infestations like scabies and fungal infections like tinea. Both infections have similar symptoms, such as itchiness and redness. Both are contagious with skin-to-skin contact. Treatment options include topical creams and oral medications (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2023).


Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2023). https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (2023). Syria humanitarian response. Australian Government. https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/syria/syria-humanitarian-response

Department of Parliamentary Services. (2016). Refugee resettlement to Australia: What are the facts?. Parliament of Australia. https://www.aph.gov.au/about_parliament/parliamentary_departments/parliamentary_library/pubs/rp/rp1617/refugeeresettlement

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. (2023). Syrian refugees – key issues. https://www.rch.org.au/immigranthealth/clinical/syrian-refugees/

]]> 2023-10-09 10:34:13 UTC https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737941859 My Australian Food 34465823_ https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737942824 One iconic food in my childhood was a Sunday Roast. We would have it at lunchtime after church. It consists of (usually) beef, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, broccoli and seasoned with herbs. This is a delicious method of reaching the recommended Australian Dietary Guidelines (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2013).

Department of Health and Aged Care. (2013). The Australian Dietary Guidelines. Australian Government. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/australian-dietary-guidelines.pdf

]]> 2023-10-09 10:34:58 UTC https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737942824 The Footy 34465823_ https://padlet.com/34465823_/5yszuhwfsj3g1mqj/wish/2737943649 The Australian Football League, commonly known as ‘the footy’, is a core part of Australian Culture. People from all over the country pride themselves on being part of a team. Talking about the footy or the team you support is a great way to form relationships and bond with others. Similarly, playing footy is an excellent strategy to improve physical fitness and mental health. It is recommended that adults perform “1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous intensity physical activity” per week (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2021).

Department of Health and Aged Care. (2021). Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians. Australian Government. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians

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