UKRANIAN BLOG POST by FAITH MURAMBA

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kahasomuramba2006 — 2025-09-01 01:47:07 UTC

For me, as a future nurse, I recognise the significant effect that the Ukrainian refugees may have endured traumatic experiences like grief, war and displacement to which ultimately contribute up to 76% to post-traumatic stress (Australian Refugee Practice Guide, 2025). In my practice, I will try my best to create a calm and person-centred care environment by ensuring I approach my patients with empathy and cultural sensitivity. I will utilise trauma-informed care principles like building trust, empowerment and ensuring safety so they can feel at ease. The understanding of these principles will guarantee that I avoid rushing assessments and create an open environment for my patients to express themselves comfortably while I also assess for non-verbal signs of distress. By acknowledging their experiences and offering reassurance, I can reduce stress. I will also include interpreters and support services to ensure there is no miscommunication. My goal is to ensure all my patients receive comprehensive care that not only addresses physical health but also provides emotional support and healing.

Australian Refugee Health. (2025). Communication and interpreters. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/commmunication-and-interpreters/

Australian Refugee Health. (2025). Psychological effects of torture and trauma. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/psychological-effects-of-torture-trauma

Social Inclusion and Non- Discrimination

kahasomuramba2006 — 2025-09-01 01:53:44 UTC

Social inclusion and Non-discrimination are key social determinants of health that contribute to the well-being of refugees resettling in Australia (WHO, 2025). Ukrainian refugees often experience language barriers, which make it difficult to access health services, discouraging them from trusting healthcare professionals and can worsen their health if left untreated. All these negative experiences often contribute to chronic stress, which is also linked to weakened immunity, depression, anxiety and cardiovascular issues (AIHW, 2025). Subsequently, by promoting inclusion through access to interpreters through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (Australian Refugee Practice Guide, 2025). This will make refugees feel welcomed and see preventative healthcare treatments. The more individuals feel welcomed and heard, the more likely they are to attend their appointments, continue treatment plans and express their health concerns. For Ukrainian refugees, healthcare systems will not only address physical health concerns, but they will also restore dignity and address health inequities.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025, May 20). Stress and trauma. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/health-wellbeing/stress-and-trauma

Australian Refugee Health. (2025). Communication and interpreters. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/commmunication-and-interpreters/

World Health Organization. (2025, May 20). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

Health Issues Refugees Face

kahasomuramba2006 — 2025-09-01 02:05:37 UTC

Tuberculosis is a common disease among refugees and has been identified as a key population requiring latent tuberculosis (LTBI) screening and treatment (Australian Refugee Practice Guide, 2025). Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs but is also capable of spreading to the brain, lymph nodes and spine. There are two main forms of Tuberculosis: Latent, which means the bacteria are present in the body but inactive, and the individual has no symptoms and is not contagious. Whereas Active TB is when the bacteria spread and multiply, and individuals can experience symptoms like coughing up blood, chest pain and fever (Australian Refugee Practice Guide, 2025). A common test to check for TB includes Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), which is a blood test that measures the immune response to the bacterium Mycobacterium. One effective treatment option is to start a course of six-month first-line antibiotics; this care plan includes medications like isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. Individuals can sometimes experience adverse effects like nausea, vomiting and rashes (Australian Refugee Practice Guide, 2025).

Australian Refugee Health. (2025). Tuberculosis (TB & LTBI). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis-tb/

Traditional Medicine

kahasomuramba2006 — 2025-09-01 02:07:38 UTC

One traditional medicine, a part of Ukrainian culture, is herbal medicine (Kozlowska et al., 2018, para. 2). Folk medicine is s key aspect of the Ukrainian cultural heritage, relying on generational knowledge to diagnose, prevent and treat illnesses using natural remedies from plants, animals and natural minerals (Kozlowska et al., 2018, para. 3). Ukrainians traditionally harvest medicinal herbs based on the season and the healing properties of specific plants. For example, leaves were harvested before flowering and roots in autumn or spring. Trees were very important for treating coughs, such as birch sap and leaf tinctures, whilst birch bud vodka helped relieve rheumatic pain and promote a speedy wound healing process. Oak bark is used to treat oral and digestive issues, while vegetables like garlic and onions were common remedies for colds. These herbal medical practices reflect a deep connection in the Ukrainian culture and natural, holistic approaches to their health (Kozlowska et al., 2018, para. 5).

Kozlowska, W., Wagner, C., Moore, E.M., Matkowski, A., & Komarnytsky, S. (2018). Botanical provenance of traditional medicines from Carpathian Mountains at the Ukranian-Polish border. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 295. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00295