Al-Douri, Nedhal. A. (2014). Some important medicinal plants in Iraq. International Journal of Advances in Herbal Alternative Medicine, 2(1), 10–20. https://academiascholarlyjournal.org/ijaham/publications/aug14/Nedhal_A_Al_Douri.pdf[1](https://academiascholarlyjournal.org/ijaham/publications/aug14/Nedhal_A_Al_Douri.pdf

Iraqi refugees arriving to Australia face complex health challenges, with post traumatic stress disorder being one of the most common. The unfortunate but common exposure to war and displacement plays a key role in the high rates of psychological distress experienced by refugees. A recent study by Mahimbo et al. (2024) found that over 34% of refugees and humanitarian migrants in Australia experience post traumatic stress disorder. The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide recommends trauma-informed care as a key treatment approach. The basic principles of trauma informed care include trust, emotional safety, as well as using culturally sensitive communication (Australian Refugee Health, 2025).  Recent research shows that social connection, a sense of belonging, and culturally responsive care are just some factors that improve the mental health outcomes for Iraqi refugees (Collins et al., 2023).

Mahimbo, A., Hayen, A., & Dawson, A. (2024) Refugees in Australia are miles behind in health and wellbeing. University of Technology Sydney. https://www.uts.edu.au/news/2024/08/refugees-australia-are-miles-behind-health-and-wellbeing

Collins, J., Krivokapic-Skoko, B., & Reid, C. (2023) Refuge and family futures in Australia: Settlement outcomes for recently arrived refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. University of Technology Sydney. https://www.uts.edu.au/news/2023/08/refuge-and-family-futures-australia-settlement-outcomes-recently-arrived-refugees-syria-iraq-and-afghanistan

Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. (2025) Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/[1](https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/)

Social inclusion fosters trust in healthcare systems as well as improved mental and physical well being. Managing these determinants is essential in helping Iraqi refugees to rebuild their lives in Australia with dignity and health security. 

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia.https://www.aihw.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/2023/2023-november/first-report-gives-new-insight-into-the-health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants-in-australia

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia: Health services used by humanitarian entrants. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants/contents/health-service-use/health-services-used-by-humanitarian-entrants  

Victorian Department of Health. (2024). Refugee and asylum seeker health and wellbeing. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/populations/refugee-and-asylum-seeker-health-and-wellbeing

Although I have not been on placement yet, I am reflecting on how I can apply this to my future practice as a nurse, I aim to use trauma-informed practice to approach each of my patients with respect for their individual circumstances and seek to understand their cultural background and the impact it has on their health. I will use interpreters when needed and avoid assumptions about compliance or understanding. 

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds – Competency standards framework for clinicians. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. https://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/4578910/mod_resource/content/4/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf