My smart padlet by Sonam Wangmo

Domain 1: Clinical Expert Competency Standard 1 1.2 clinicians recognize the impact of refugee-like experiences of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder, and take this experiences into account during the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care to modify their approach as appropriate and to provide trauma-informed care.

sonamwangmotaamang — 2025-08-31 04:32:02 UTC

For me, the most important aspect of this domain is understanding how refugee-like experiences and post-traumatic disorder, can influence both health and the way people respond to it (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). My knowledge of trauma-involved practice has developed as I realized the need to approach with flexibility, respect and compassion.

Initially, I did not consider how experience of violence, displacement, or detention might affect trust in health professional, but I now recognize that these experiences can significantly impact communication and engagement. This learning is especially relevant in Australia, which has one of the largest resettled refugee populations, meaning nurses are likely to care for refugees and asylum seekers.

Although I am not yet sure how this will look in real-life practice, I need to strengthen my holistic and person-centred approach by creating safe environments, using empathetic communication, and preventing re-

traumatization. Moving forward, I aim to develop the skills and compassion to provide safe, healing care for refugees in Australia.

Reference:

Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au

Social Inclusion and Non-discrimination-Impact on Refugees

sonamwangmotaamang — 2025-08-31 06:52:29 UTC

The World Health Organization identifies social inclusion and non-discrimination as vital social determinants of health. For Syrian refugees in Australia, experiences of discrimination increase risks of depression, anxiety, and stress-related illness. A South Australian study found that twenty two percent of refugees reported discrimination, often linked to worsened mental health and social isolation (Ziersch et al., 2020). These psychological challenges can also translate into physical health issues, including poor sleep quality, hypertension, and chronic illness.

On the other hand, inclusive and welcoming communities provide protective benefits. Research shows that when refugees feel accepted, their resilience improves, psychological distress decreases, and they are more likely to engage with healthcare services (Song et al., 2025). For health professionals, this emphasizes the importance of providing culturally safe and inclusive care, screening for mental health issues related to discrimination, and advocating for supportive community networks. Inclusive practice by all health professionals helps protect both the mental and physical health of Syrian refugees (Tomasi et al., 2022).

Reference:

Song, J., Corcoran, J., & Zahnow, R. (2025). Understanding the impact of social connectedness on health and well-being among refugees in Australia. Journal of Refugee Studies. https://doi.org/10.1093/jrs/feaf036

Ziersch, A., et al. (2020). Integration and social determinants of health and wellbeing for people from refugee backgrounds resettled in a rural town in South Australia. BMC Public Health, 20(1700). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09724-z

Tomasi, A.M., et al. (2022). Understanding the mental health and help-seeking behaviours of refugees. Australian Institute of Families Studies, https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/understanding-mental-health-and-help-seeking-behaviours-refugees

Traditional herb most commonly used by Syrian People

sonamwangmotaamang — 2025-08-31 16:36:00 UTC

Origanum syriacum, popularly known as Syrian oregano or Za'atar, is a herb native to the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly Syria. Syrians have always used it to cook and as a natural cure for stomach disorders, respiratory problems, and overall health (Dawra et al., 2024). Its integration into everyday life emphasises its cultural and medicinal benefits.

Many of these traditional uses have been proven through modern study. The herb includes active chemicals such carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid, which provide antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities (Alonazi et al., 2021). These properties make it useful for treating digestive issues, infections, and inflammation.

Today, O. syriacum is acquiring global recognition. Its traditional benefits are being increasingly recognized by the medical and wellness industries, and it is now being explored in research and commercial applications worldwide. This plant demonstrates how cultural knowledge, and scientific inquiry can work together to improve health (Rammal et al., 2025).

Reference:

Alonazi, M. A., Jemel, I., Moubayed, N., Alwhibi, M., El-Sayed, N. N. E., & Bacha, A. B. (2021). Evaluation of the in vitro anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Origanum syriacum and Salvia lanigera leaves. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28(16), 19890–19900. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-11961-z

Dawra, M., Bouajila, J., Beyrouthy, M. E., Taillandier, P., Nehme, N., & Rayess, Y. E. (2024). Phytochemical Profile, GC-MS Profiling and In Vitro Evaluation of Some Biological Applications of the Extracts of Origanum syriacum L. and Cousinia libanotica D.C. Plants, 13(1), 137. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010137

Rammal, M., Kara, M., Badran, A., Haidar, C., Zahreddine, H., Bassal, H., Bechelany, M., El-Dakdouki, M. H., & Hijazi, A. (2025). Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant Activity, Food Preservation, and Insecticidal Properties of Origanum syriacum and Cymbopogon winterianus Extracts. Foods, 14(8), 1347. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14081347

common health issues among Syrian Refugees

sonamwangmotaamang — 2025-09-01 02:22:58 UTC

Australian Refugee Health. Primary care for people of refugee backgrounds. (n.d.). https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Shawyer, F., Enticott, J. C., Block, A. A., Cheng, I., & Meadows, G. N. (2017). The mental health status of refugees and asylum seekers attending a refugee health clinic including comparisons with a matched sample of Australian-born residents. BMC Psychiatry, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1239-9