Iraq by Thandeka Dube

Domain 1: Clinical expert

thandekadube2016 — 2025-08-31 16:11:59 UTC

Before I met someone from the Iraqi community, I didn't really understand their cultural background Everything changed when i became friends with someone from Iraq and heard about their family's experiences of war and displacement. It made me realise how important it is to understand and respect cultural differences. The competency that really stood out to me is Domain 1.4 of the Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice framework, which is about recognising how family and community influence consent and follow up (Munnings et al.,2019). I noticed that Iraqi's often involve family or religious leaders in decisions, women may check with their husbands before giving consent, and patients will prefer same gender clinicians (Queensland Health,2011). Reflecting on this has made me more aware of my own practice. I feel more confident involving families respectfully, communicating, clearly, and considering how trauma can affect trust. This learning will help me provide care that is culturally safe and responsive.

Queensland Health. (2011). Iraqi Australians: Community profiles for health care providers. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/156361/iraqi2011.pdf

Munnings, K., Laidler, L., Ramsay Health Care Australia, O’Donovan, K., Patetsos, M., Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, Phillips, C., Philp, A., Australian Government Department of Health, Schreiber, J., Sdrinis, S., Ward, K., Wright, M., Australian College of Nursing, Abbasova, G., & Sarafian, C. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. In L. Martinez & O. Dandash (Eds.), COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Social Determinants of Health Issue:Mental Health

thandekadube2016 — 2025-08-31 17:10:41 UTC

Ziersch, A., Due, C., Walsh, M., & Wollersheim, D. (2020). Discrimination: A health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health, 20, 103. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants: Summary. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants/contents/summary

WHO – Social determinants of health:

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Health Belief: Evil Eye

thandekadube2016 — 2025-08-31 17:12:32 UTC

In Iraqi culture, the belief in the evil eye is common and often used to explain illness (Queensland Health,2011). It is thought that envy or negative energy from others can cause harm. Families often use protective charms, such as blue beads, hand symbols, or kohl on children, for protection (Middle East Eye, 2019). Health issues like headaches, infertility or delayed growth maybe affiliated with the evil eye rather than medical causses (Queensland Health,2011; Schick et al.,2023). This belief can sometimes delay seeking medical attention and treatment, as families may consult with traditional healers first before visiting doctors (Schick et al., 2023). As a nurse, I have realised it is very important to acknowledge these traditions respectfully. Dismissing them risks trust will be lost, engagement, and the opportunity to provide safe care. As a Nurse I'll listen attentively without judgement first, showing cultural sensitivity, and understanding their perspectives, builds strong rapport with the families and it guides them towards care that balances cultural safety with evidence- based practice (Middle East Eye,2019).

Middle East Eye. (2019, October 17). Evil eye: Five ways people in the Middle East ward it off. https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/middle-east-five-ways-prevent-evil-eye

Queensland Health. (2011). Iraqi cultural profile. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/156361/iraqi2011.pdf

Schick, M., et al. (2023). Trauma, genes, or spirits? Development of a scale to provide a more nuanced understanding of refugees’ causal attributions for mental health problems. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666560323000919

Refugee Health issue mental health

thandekadube2016 — 2025-08-31 17:13:39 UTC

As Iraq has experienced ongoing conflict, wars and political instability, many people have been forced to leave their homes and seek humanitarian rights and aid in other countries (UNHCR, 2019). Among these concerned, mental health is particular significant. Refugees may experience conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, anxiety and depression World health organisation, 2025). Supporting these individuals requires building trust and rapport, recognising their culture and understating the impact of their previous trauma and referral to psychological support services, including counselling are essential (Australian Refugee Health Practice Screening Guide, n.d.). It is also important to ensure that refugees understand their care and information hence involving an interpreter can facilitate this. Interpreted help ensure clear communicant and prevent misunderstanding when Indvidual's share their stories (Australian institute of health and welfare,2023). Additionally, mental health stigma within Muslim and Christian communities may prevent some refugees from seeking help, so culturally appropriate services should be recommended ( Queensland Health, 2011).

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (n.d.). Australian refugee health practice guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au

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

Queensland Health. (2011). Iraqi Australians: Community profiles for health care providers. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/156361/iraqi2011.pdf

UNHCR. (2019, November 7). Iraq refugee crisis explained. https://www.unrefugees.org/news/iraq-refugee-crisis-explained/

World Health Organization. (2025). Refugee and migrant mental health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

thandekadube2016 — 2025-09-01 03:41:27 UTC

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2025). World Hand Hygiene Day 2025 campaign poster [Photograph]. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/newsroom/media-and-communications-resources/media-professionals/our-campaigns/world-hand-hygiene-day-2025-campaign

thandekadube2016 — 2025-09-01 03:42:23 UTC

SBS News. (2024). Iraq census officials at work [Photograph]. SBS. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/en/article/claims-of-deception-as-iraq-runs-its-first-census-in-27-years/q5dgg7i3r

thandekadube2016 — 2025-09-01 03:42:40 UTC