As a future nurse, the Framework's competency standard made me aware of how I should deal with patients from different cultures, such as respecting their decisions and giving them autonomy in their health. For example, suppose I have a Jehovah's Witness patient who cannot receive a blood transfusion; I must know why they are not allowed to do so so that whenever the circumstances come that they need the said procedure, I can handle it (JPAC).

Citations:
https://cbrhl.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Culturally-responsive-clinica.pdf

https://www.transfusionguidelines.org/transfusion-handbook/12-management-of-patients-who-do-not-accept-transfusion/12-2-jehovah-s-witnesses-and-blood-transfusion

 

Refugees and migrants usually fly out of their countries due to war or economic crisis, which makes them vulnerable to diseases and injuries. Moreover, refugees and migrants in Australia face a social determinant in health: inadequate access to healthcare services that are vital to them. The factors that cause this include limited bilingual health workers, high-cost consultations, and difficulty navigating the healthcare system (MedicalXpress).

 

Housing is a social determinant of health that impacts refugees and migrants in Australia due to various reasons for acquiring a house. It is difficult to get a house because of the inadequacy of affordable houses, high rental costs, competition in renting, and discrimination. For these reasons, refugees and migrants are stressed, affecting their physical, mental, and emotional health (Refugee Council of Australia).

 

Citations:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

https://theconversation.com/education-is-a-human-right-but-for-most-asylum-seekers-in-australia-university-is-an-impossible-dream-174881

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-02-health-gaps-refugees-migrants-australia.html

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/settlement-challenges/2/

Syria is a country in Southwestern Asia (Britannica). In March 2011, the Syrian war started, and people fled their country to seek safety. Moreover, Australia has granted 1,109 visas to Syrian refugees under its Humanitarian Program (Parliament of Australia). The health conditions seen in Syrian refugees in Australia include schistosomiasis, anaemia, and mental health issues (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide).

 

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease acquired when there is contact with freshwater contaminated by infected human feces or urine. The drug treatment for schistosomiasis is praziquantel, which has a high cure rate and is generally safe (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide). 

 

Anaemia occurs when red blood cell is below the normal range. Treating anaemia includes giving iron supplements when anaemia is caused by iron deficiency and introducing a healthy diet containing iron and other vitamins (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide).

 

Mental health issues like trauma are common in Syrian refugees due to the conflict and violence that they experience. This mental health issue is managed by referring refugees to trauma services, providing support to decrease their feelings of isolation, educating them on common mental health symptoms, and advising them about having good nutrition and relaxation (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide).

Citations:
https://www.britannica.com/place/Syria

https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/FlagPost/2015/April/Syrian_refugees

https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

 
Citations:
https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/151951/do-amulets-charms-and-anting-anting-work/

 "Malunggay" is a wild plant in the Philippines commonly seen in Filipino houses' backyards because it has many uses for consumption and medicinal value. Moreover, most parts of the malunggay plant are beneficial, like the leaf is crushed and applied to a minor wound as a cleanser and used in certain Filipino dishes as a source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C. The seeds and flowers have anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic benefits, too (Philippine Herbal Medicine).

Citation:
https://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/malunggay.htm