The Sudanese Culture by Tadi .M

Herbal Medicines

tadiwanashemutizwa — 2024-08-28 09:51:36 UTC

Herbal medicine refers to herbs, herbal materials and the preparation of substances including seeds, berries, roots, leaves, flowers or bark (Mohamed et al., 2024). In Sudanese culture, herbal medicines are used to prevent and treat diseases, influenced by the country’s natural environment to grow herbs (Mohamed et al., 2024). Herbal medicines are prevalent due to the belief in their efficacy and affordability (Seema et al., 2024). The most used herbal medicines in Sudanese culture include Haraz, used for diarrhoea; Harjal, used for headaches, fever and common cold symptoms; Hilba, used for epigastric pain, joint affliction and abdominal disorders (Ahmed et al., 2023).

Ahmed, A., Hemmeda, L., Hassan, H. M., Bakr, M. A., Mustafa, G. E., Ahmed, E. M., Birier, A. B. G., Abdelgadir, T., Alfadul, E. S. A., & Sadig, E. (2023). Prevalence and reasons to seek traditional healing methods among residents of two localities in North Kordofan State, Sudan 2022: A cross‐sectional study. In Health science reports (Vol. 6, Issue 8). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.1487

Mohamed, R., Mohamed, R., Dafalla, R., Ahmed, A., & Abdulrahman Abdeldaim. (2024). The prevalence of herbal medicine among Sudanese adults: a cross-sectional study 2021. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04584-1

Seema B.A. Salman, & Alrasheid, A. A. (2024). Exploring the efficacy of herbal medicine in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19: a study on the Sudanese population in Khartoum state. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 45, 100879–100879. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2024.100879

Cultural Clinical Practice

tadiwanashemutizwa — 2024-08-28 09:53:37 UTC

Competency standard 1.2 from the ‘Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice’ justifies how clinicians should recognise the impact of refugee-like experiences, including trauma from events, when providing ongoing care (Migrant and Refugee Women Health Partnership, 2019). Having read the framework, I understand how important it is to respect a patient's background, as you never know their experiences and sensitivities. As a person with a cultural and migrant background, I believe this skill is vital to providing quality nursing care. For example, I will continue to incorporate communication skills, ensuring the knowledge, treatments, care, and respect are considerate of cultural practices and beliefs, as well as experiences and sensitivities. Embedding this cultural practice in my practice will ensure quality and effective care.

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. In Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership (p. 12). https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

tadiwanashemutizwa — 2024-08-28 09:55:12 UTC

Social inclusion and non-discrimination are social determinants that can impact Sudanese refugees and migrant's health outcomes (World Health Organization et al., 2019). Social inclusion ensures refugees receive social health care services that benefit their physical and mental health, helping them find work and cope with economic and material difficulties (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare., 2023). Non-discrimination allows refugees to partake in education and gain access to services and citizen activities (Marmot & Wilkinson., 2003, pp. 16–17). In inclusive and non-discriminatory environments, people from refugee or migrant backgrounds can enhance their overall health, receive more equitable health outcomes and reduce health disparities. On the other hand, an environment that promotes social exclusion and discrimination can lead to psychological harm to one’s health, leading further into mental health issues, including anxiety and stress (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare., 2023).

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024, July 2). Social determinants of health. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-of-health

Marmot, M., & Wilkinson, R. (2003). The solid facts : Social determinants of health (2nd ed., pp. 16–17). Centre for Urban Health, World Health Organization.

https://www.nescon.medicina.ufmg.br/biblioteca/imagem/1502.pdf

World Health Orginization, NOOR, & Datto, A. (2019, May 30). Social determinants of health. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_2

Refugee Health Issues

tadiwanashemutizwa — 2024-08-28 09:56:24 UTC

Upon arrival to Australia, Sudanese refugees face health issues such as food insecurity, hunger, and undernutrition (Arbur & Spaaij., 2016). Despite nutritional deprivation, Sudanese refugees may face mental well-being pressures post and pre-arrival to Australia. Sudanese refugees come from different experiences, from pre-migration stress and traumas to post-migration difficulties that may result in sleep troubles, PTSD and insomnia (Abur & Mphande, 2019).

According to 'Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide', a common health concern is mental health issues (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide., 2018). Many people from refugee backgrounds have experienced trauma, conflicts, violations, and torture (Australian Refugee Health., 2018). Whilst there is a recognition of the pre-arrival stressors, the settlement may increase mental illness, including PTSD, depression and anxiety (Australian Refugee Health., 2018). Clinical screening is advised for refugees and asylum seekers facing mental health-related issues. It is advised for them to see specialists who may counsel them and give advice, support and psychoeducation (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide., 2018)

Abur, W., & Mphande, C. (2019). Mental Health and Wellbeing of South Sudanese-Australians. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 55(3), 002190961988029. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021909619880294

Arbur, W., & Spaaij, R. (2016). Settlement and employment experiences of South Sudanese people from refugee backgrounds in Melbourne, Australia. Australasian Review of African Studies, 37(2), 90–91. https://doi.org/10.22160/22035184/aras-2016-37-2/107-128

Singleton, G., Hocking , D., Gardiner, J., & Paxton, G. (2018). Mental Health: Australian Refugee Health. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide . https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Traditional Food: Gorrassa

tadiwanashemutizwa — 2024-08-28 09:57:38 UTC

Gorrassa, a soft flatbread usually paired with various stews, replaces utensils as it is traditionally eaten with hands to pick up food. (Martin., 2013)

Here is a recipe by Sasha Martin

Ingredients:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 2 ½ -3 cups water

- Salt, to taste

- Sesame or vegetable oil for cooking

Method:

Whisk flour, baking powder, water and salt together in a bowel
Mix until a thick pancake-like batter
Once the batter is ready, brush the pan or skillet with oil and lade the batter into a circle.
Let it cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes
Once cooked, set aside and keep warm under a towel until ready to serve

Martin, S. (2013a, April 7). Sudanese Flatbread | Gorraasa. Globaltableadventure.com. https://globaltableadventure.com/recipe/recipe-sudanese-flatbread-gorraasa/

Traditional Dress: The Tobe

tadiwanashemutizwa — 2024-08-28 09:59:18 UTC

The tobe is a traditional garment that comes in various colours and fabrics and is worn by Sudanese women. The tobe is worn on top of clothes and flows from the shoulder to the waist (Nabag, 2023). Traditionally, a red beaded tobe is worn by a bride in a wedding ceremony. Once the woman is married, the tobe is to be worn regularly to events and ceremonies. (Nabag, 2023). Besides being worn for events and ceremonies, the tobe is worn in a manner that dignifies a woman’s modesty as it covers a woman's physical features (Nabag, 2023).

Nabag , E. (2023). Movement in tradition: Tobe (pp. 2–4) [Thesis ]. https://doi.org/10.32920/ryerson.14643732.v1

Religious Beliefs

tadiwanashemutizwa — 2024-08-28 10:00:27 UTC

In Sudan, tribalism and religion play a significant role in the society (Eickelman et al., 2012, pp. 151–152). A wide majority of Sudanese people differentiate between Arab and African traditions, which align with the religious groupings, including Christians and Muslims (Eickelman et al., 2012, pp. 151–152). The Humr Baqqarah and Fur are two ethnic groups from Sudan. People from these ethnic groups follow the Islamic religion and its beliefs and practices (Sikainga et al., 2024). ). Many people from Sudan are Muslim and come from the Sunni branch. The Otoro ethnic group follow their own beliefs and practices, including witchcraft (Sikainga et al., 2024). Those who are Christian are primarily Catholic or Anglican (Sikainga et al., 2024).

Sikainga, A. A., Unit , E. I., Spaulding , J. L., Collins, R. O., Al-Shahi, A. S., & Sabr, M. el D. (2024). Sudan. In Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sudan/additional-info#contributors

Eickelman, D. F., Longva, A. N., & Roald, A. S. (2012). Religious Minorities in the Middle East (Vol. 108, pp. 151–152). Koninklijke Brill NV. https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/43458/1/external_content.pdf#page=159