Syrian Culture by Kinley Seldon Dhapel

3. Common health issue and treatment in Syrian refugees

kinleyseldondhapel2002 — 2025-08-31 12:01:12 UTC

References

Assaf, S. A., Nuwayhid, I., & Habib, R. R. (2024). A conceptual framework on pre- and post-displacement stressors: The case of Syrian refugees. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1372334. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1372334

Australian refugee health practice guide » primary care for people of refugee backgrounds. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2025, from https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Buhmann, C. B., Mortensen, E. L., Graebe, F. L., Larsen, S. K., Harder, S., Arnfred, S., & Austin, S. F. (2024). Feasibility of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with PTSD and psychosis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, 1375972. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1375972

Koliandri, I., & Datsogianni, A. (2025). Trauma-informed educational practices for war-affected refugee students in Greece and Cyprus: A literature review. Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-04-2025-1008

Mann, S. K., Marwaha, R., & Torrico, T. J. (2025). Posttraumatic stress disorder. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559129/

Whole of practice approaches » australian refugee health. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2025, from https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/whole-practice-approaches/

1. Reflection on Domain 1 (Clinical Expert, Standard 1.2 Trauma-Informed Care)

kinleyseldondhapel2002 — 2025-08-31 13:39:49 UTC

For me, the most significant learning from standard 1.2 Trauma-Informed Care, was that many Syrian refugees live with a lot of trauma caused by their bitter experience of war and displacement (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). I have learned how these traumas present as anxiety, PTSD, or distrust in healthcare givers (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). This knowledge is essential to me, as I must provide trauma-informed care for patients with such experiences (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). In the past, I believed that treating all patients the same was a fair practice. However, I now critically recognise that asking about migration journeys can retraumatise refugees by overlooking their unique psycho-social needs, which risks reinforcing distrust in healthcare systems, highlighting the necessity of trauma-informed, culturally sensitive nursing practice to provide safe, person-centred care. Because I am not yet confident working with patients with such a background, I will now need to actively listen, use culturally appropriate interpreters, and provide care with empathy and flexibility.

Reference

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. https://www.mrwhealthpartnership.org.au

2. WHO Social Determinant – Social Inclusion & Non-Discrimination

kinleyseldondhapel2002 — 2025-08-31 18:34:01 UTC

Social inclusion of refugees is a responsibility and a social determinant of health (Rashki Kemmak et al., 2021). Discrimination and social exclusion lead to poor mental health, lack of trust in healthcare services, and form barriers to employment, housing, and education (Kirkbride et al., 2024). These challenges limit the refugees’ ability to settle comfortably and to access proper healthcare. On the other hand, social inclusion promotes resilience, restores dignity, and reduces mental health issues by making proper healthcare and social participation accessible (Chutiyami et al., 2025). Culturally safe healthcare practices and language support services are examples of inclusive settlement programs that can help Syrian refugees build their lives. Nurses play an important role here by challenging discrimination, promoting equity, and ensuring healthcare is welcoming and respectful (Nickitas et al., 2022). By working toward such a healthcare service, nurses address immediate health needs and contribute to long-term wellbeing and social unity, reducing the overall burden of mental health issues within vulnerable sections of the population.

References

Chutiyami, M., Cutler, N., Sangon, S., Thaweekoon, T., Nintachan, P., Napa, W., Kraithaworn, P., & River, J. (2025). Community-engaged mental health and wellbeing initiatives in under-resourced settings: A scoping review of primary studies. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 16, 21501319251332723. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319251332723

Kirkbride, J. B., Anglin, D. M., Colman, I., Dykxhoorn, J., Jones, P. B., Patalay, P., Pitman, A., Soneson, E., Steare, T., Wright, T., & Griffiths, S. L. (2024). The social determinants of mental health and disorder: Evidence, prevention and recommendations. World Psychiatry: Official Journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 23(1), 58–90. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21160

Nickitas, D. M., Emmons, K. R., & Ackerman-Barger, K. (2022). A policy pathway: Nursing’s role in advancing diversity and health equity. Nursing Outlook, 70(6), S38–S47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2022.03.013

Rashki Kemmak, A., Nargesi, S., & Saniee, N. (2021). Social determinant of mental health in immigrants and refugees: A systematic review. Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 35, 196. https://doi.org/10.47176/mjiri.35.196

4. Syrian Health Belief / Traditional Medicine

kinleyseldondhapel2002 — 2025-08-31 18:41:15 UTC

Traditional medicine, specifically the Traditional Arabic Medicine (TAM), plays an important role in Syrian cultural identity (Khatib et al., 2021). Some widespread examples are chamomile, anise seeds, cumin seeds for digestive issues, fennel seeds for coughs and respiratory issues, ginger, flax seeds, and turmeric for weight loss. Chamomile was even given to newborns for constipation. Another prevalent practice is hijama (cupping), which is believed to cleanse the body by improving blood circulation and removing waste products and toxins (Siddiqui & Shoaib, 2022). Most of the time, these traditional remedies are preferred over pharmaceutical medicines as they are believed to be cost effective with fewer side effects (Khatib et al., 2021). As a nurse, understanding a patient’s cultural health practices can build trust and help prevent problems between traditional remedies and pharmaceutical medicines. Understanding and respecting these practices makes healthcare safer, more cooperative, and better suited to the patients' cultural needs.

References

Khatib, C., Nattouf, A., & Hasan Agha, M. I. (2021). Traditional medicines and their common uses in central region of Syria: Hama and Homs – an ethnomedicinal survey. Pharmaceutical Biology, 59(1), 776–786. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2021.1936078

Siddiqui, S. A., & Shoaib, M. (2022). Hijama (Wet cupping) an ancient traditional healing: A review. International Journal of Unani and Integrative Medicine, 6(1), 11–16. https://doi.org/10.33545/2616454X.2022.v6.i1a.202