Burmese by yan Yao

Betel Quid

yaoyan345 — 2024-08-14 12:28:40 UTC

Chewing betel quid, known as Kun-yar, is very popular in Myanmar (Burma), with estimates suggesting that over half of the adult population regularly partakes in this practice (Su et al., 2022). People wrap betel leaves around areca nuts and slaked lime to prepare betel quid, often adding tobacco in Myanmar. Enthusiasts chew it throughout the day, extracting the juice and swallowing small amounts while spitting out the remainder. It is commonly an alternative remedy for killing bacteria, refreshing breath after meals, and treating morning sickness, among other ailments (Sreeramareddy et al., 2021). However, despite its popularity, concerns about its impact on oral health persist (Sari et al., 2023).

(Sari, R., Aji, N.R.A.S., Seong, C. F. J., Amany, T. Y., & Dewi, R. S. (2023). Betel quid and oral phenomenon: Current review. Current Oral Health Reports, 10, 88–98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40496-023-00336-1

Sreeramareddy, C. T., Aye, S.N., & Venkateswaran, S.P. (2021). Tobacco use and betel quid chewing among adults in Myanmar: Estimates and social determinants from demographic and health survey, 2015–16. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 277. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10347-1

Su, D., Nguyen, M.T., & Toure, D. (2022). Correlates of betel nut chewing among Burmese refugees in Nebraska. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 23(4), 1103–1106. https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.4.1103)

Sweet Flag

yaoyan345 — 2024-08-14 12:28:57 UTC

Sweet flag (Myanmar name: Lin nay/ Lin lay) is a fragrant perennial herb commonly found near water bodies like streams, ponds, and lakes. It grows wild or is cultivated for its medicinal properties. The rhizome, which is aromatic and immersed in mud, is used in various treatments. Rhizome powder mixed with honey is utilised to address indigestion, colic, and diarrhea and can also be taken to relieve symptoms of epilepsy and insanity. Roasted and charred rhizome with oil is applied topically to reduce children's stomach pain and bloating. Additionally, burning a combination of dried rhizomes and bishop's weed (Myanmar name: samone hpyu) creates smoke that is inhaled as a remedy for haemorrhoids (DeFilipps & Krupnick, 2018).

(DeFilipps, R. A., & Krupnick, G. A. (2018). The medicinal plants of Myanmar. PhytoKeys, 102, 1–341. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.102.24380)

Social Determinant on Health

yaoyan345 — 2024-08-26 04:07:56 UTC

Over the past decade, many refugees from Myanmar have settled in Australia. Like other refugee groups, many face challenges, including finding employment, engaging with the community, and dealing with discrimination (Ziersch et al., 2020). A report shows that individuals of refugee backgrounds who experience isolation are 19.5 times more likely to develop depression (World Health Organization, 2023a). According to WHO, social inclusion and non-discrimination are crucial for the health of refugees, as exclusion can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression. Xenophobia and discrimination often limit refugees' access to essential health services (World Health Organization, 2023b).

(World Health Organization. (2023a). Global health estimates: Leading causes of death and disability. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/373279/9789240081840-eng.pdf?sequence=1

World Health Organization. (2023b). World report on the health of refugees and migrants. https://www.migrationdataportal.org/sites/g/files/tmzbdl251/files/2023-09/World-report-on-the-health-of-refugees-and-migrants.pdf

Ziersch, A., Miller, E., Baak, M., & Mwanri, L. (2020). Integration and social determinants of health and wellbeing for people from refugee backgrounds resettled in a rural town in South Australia: A qualitative study. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1700. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09724-1)

Mental Health Issues

yaoyan345 — 2024-08-26 04:15:24 UTC

The ongoing unrest in Myanmar has forced many to flee, with numerous refugees arriving in Australia with mental health issues. Their previous experience of trauma, conflict, family separation, hunger, and severe human rights violations lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety (Singleton, n.d.). However, barriers such as poor mental health literacy, unfamiliarity with Australia's healthcare system, and long waiting periods can prevent them from seeking help (Tomasi, n.d.). Adequate social support might help address those social challenges, like providing them with opportunities to learn English and develop job skills. By doing so, refugees are more likely to have optimistic views about their future and ease mental health problems (World Health Organization, 2023).

(Singleton, G., Hocking, D., Gardiner, J., & Paxton, G. (n.d.). Mental health: Overview. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Tomasi, A.-M., Slewa-Younan, S., Narchal, R., & Rioseco, P. (n.d.). Understanding mental health and help-seeking behaviours of refugees: What affects the help-seeking behaviour of refugees. Australian Institute of Family Studies.

https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/understanding-mental-health-and-help-seeking-behaviours-refugees

World Health Organization. (2023). Guidance on mental health and psychosocial support for refugees. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/373279/9789240081840-eng.pdf?sequence=1)

Tea Culture in Myanmar

yaoyan345 — 2024-08-26 04:18:27 UTC

Tea has a deep-rooted history in Myanmar and is essential to the country's culture. Drinking tea is embedded in the daily lives of the Burmese people. Tea is consumed daily, often before, during, and after meals. Numerous teahouses are lining the streets, serving as popular social occasions where Myanmar men gather with friends to chat, laugh, and read newspapers. The topics they discuss range from everyday life to politics. These tea meetups are an essential part of social life in Myanmar. Due to the country's hot climate, drinking plain tea is believed to help cool the body. Tea is truly the national beverage of Myanmar (Loat Tea Company, n.d.).

(Lost Tea Company. (n.d.). Tea in Myanmar. https://www.lostteacompany.com/tea-in-myanmar)

Buddhism

yaoyan345 — 2024-08-26 04:20:33 UTC

Religion plays a crucial role in Myanmar's culture, with nearly 90% of the population adhering to Theravada Buddhism, making it the country's official and state religion. Minority groups practice other faiths, including Christianity (6.2%), Islam (4.3%), Animism (0.8%), and Hinduism (0.5%) (Evason, 2017).

Buddhism is deeply rooted in Myanmar's culture and has become Burma's national identity. It influences many of the country's festivals. The celebrations of those festivals often incorporate elements of Hinduism and ancient local customs. For instance, the Burmese New Year, also known as the Burmese Water Festival, originates in Hindu traditions (Original Buddhas, n.d.).

(Evason, N. (2017). Myanmar (Burmese) culture: Religion. Cultural Atlas. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/myanmar-burmese-culture/burmese-myanmar-culture-religion

Original Buddhas. (n.d.). Buddhism in Burma. https://www.burmese-buddhas.com/burma/buddhism-in-burma/)

Professional Practice

yaoyan345 — 2024-08-26 04:25:20 UTC

For me, the most significant aspect of competency standard 1.1 was recognising the importance of incorporating culture as a social determinant of health into care and ensuring clinicians respond to diverse cultures with sensitivity and without assumptions (Migrant and Refugee Health Partnership, 2019). I have improved my understanding of cultural considerations. Having experienced culture shock when I first sought help from the health care system in Australia, I now realise how cultural background can significantly influence how refugees and migrants understand health information and access care. This knowledge will be very useful for me, given Australia's multicultural society, where I will encounter patients from diverse backgrounds. I will need to develop my skills further in practising culturally sensitive care.

(Migrant and Refugee Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds: 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)