References

Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds – Competency standards framework for clinicians. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Australian Refugee Health. (n.d.). Communication and interpreters. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/communication-and-interpreters/

Research shows that for Ukrainians, strong family ties and community inclusion are key protective factors for resilience, while faith-based coping strategies, which are often helpful in other refugee groups, were not strongly linked to better psychological outcomes (Rizzi et al., 2023). This highlights the importance of culturally tailored care and social connection for recovery.

Without inclusion, Ukrainian refugees may avoid health services, worsening their mental health. Feeling welcome and supported is essential for their well-being. This really opened my eyes to how much feeling welcome and supported can change someone's health journey. For Ukrainian patients who have lost so much, I would ensure to make them feel heard and understood, thus creating a safe environment. I would take time to listen and connect Ukrainian patients with community supports so they feel they belong and can trust the care they receive.

References

World Health Organization. (2023). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants/contents/summary (See also overview hub: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/population-groups/cald-australians/refugee-and-humanitarian-entrant-health

Rizzi, M., Moro, M. R., Chhouri, I., & Baubet, T. (2023). Mental health of Ukrainian civilian war survivors and refugees: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1266125. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1266125 (See the line that faith-based strategies were not related to psychological symptoms, while social support/inclusion were protective.)

Ukraine has one of the highest TB rates in Europe, including multidrug-resistant TB, which makes treatment more complex and increases the need for early screening (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). I now understand why TB checks are a priority for Ukrainian refugees.

I've learned that screening usually involves a health history, symptom check, check x-ray and further tests if needed, referrals to specialist services (RHNA, 2022). I have been through this screening myself as a migrant to Australia but learning it from a nursing perspective has deepened my understanding of why each step matters. I now also see how trauma and fear could effect this process, motivating me to focus on empathy, clear communication and creating a calm, supportive environment.

References

Refugee Health Network of Australia. (2022). Australian refugee health practice guide – Tuberculosis. Victorian Refugee Health Network. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis-tb/

World Health Organization. (2022). WHO issues information note on ensuring continuity of essential TB services for people with or at risk of the disease in Ukraine and refugee-hosting countries. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news/item/19-05-2022-who-issues-information-note-on-ensuring-continuity-of-essential-tb-services-for-people-with-or-at-risk-of-the-disease-in-ukraine-and-refugee-hosting-countries

Ivan Honchar Museum. (2021, December 10). Folk Medicine. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://honchar.org.ua/en/blog/folk-medicine-i178