Multicultural Health - Myanmar CALD community by bec schulz

Common health issues of Myanmar-born refugees

theluckiest2007 — 2024-08-06 04:12:00 UTC

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a significant health concern among recently arrived Burmese refugees (Maclachlan et al., 2014). The prevalence of HBV among Myanmar-born individuals in Western Australia is notably high. Among the 3800 overseas-born persons living with chronic HBV, 4.9% belong to the Myanmar-born population (Vujcich & Phoo, 2023). Since chronic HBV is generally asymptomatic and has effective treatment and vaccination available, it is recommended that universal testing is offered to all recent arrivals from Myanmar (Maclachlan et al., 2014). In addition, efforts to improve HBV knowledge and healthcare access are ongoing, with surveys conducted to assess awareness and testing practices within the community (Vujcich & Phoo, 2023).

Maclachlan, J., Cowie, B., Isaacs, D., & Davis, J. S. (2014). Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)» Australian Refugee Health. Refugeehealthguide.org.au. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/hepatitis-b/

Vujcich, D., & Phoo , N. (2023). Hepatitis B Among Australian CaLD Communities Migrant Blood-Borne Virus and Sexual Health Survey (MiBSS) and Survey Among Myanmar Communities in Perth. In Government of Western Australia Department of Health. https://www.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Corp/Documents/Improving-health/STI-and-BBV-Quarterly-Forums/14-June-2023/Hepatitis-B-knowledge-and-practices-among-Myanmar-community-in-Perth.pdf

Domain 1: Clinical Expert

theluckiest2007 — 2024-08-06 04:16:57 UTC

For me, the most significant aspect of Competency Standard 1.1 was the importance of responding sensitively and without prejudice when working with a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community. Having read about how significant cultural, religious, and health practices can influence the social determinants of health within the CALD community(Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019), I now feel better equipped to advocate for their needs effectively. As a future nurse, this knowledge is essential to empowering me to provide compassionate, individualised care that fosters mutual respect. By understanding the unique backgrounds of my patients, I can enhance health outcomes and promote equity in healthcare for all individuals.

Migrant and 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/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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Quick history of Burmese migration to Australia

theluckiest2007 — 2024-08-20 01:15:04 UTC

Since 2006, Australia has resettled over 27,000 refugees from Myanmar, primarily through the Refugee and Humanitarian Program (Department of Home Affairs, 2021). These refugees represent various ethnic groups, including the Karen, Chin, and Rohingya, who fled their homeland due to severe ethnic tensions and military oppression (Refugee Council of Australia, 2019). Australia's commitment to resettling refugees reflects its humanitarian obligations and response to the ongoing crises in Myanmar (Karlsen, 2016).

Alamy Limited. (2024). Australian and Myanmar flags waving together on a blue cloudy sky, a country relationship concept. Alamy.com; Alamy images. https://www.alamy.com/australia-and-myanmar-flags-waving-together-on-blue-cloudy-sky-two-country-relationship-concept-image570380127.html?imageid=CC1D3342-B324-4670-A246-792AB958B123&p=174330&pn=1&searchId=3ff661ea4e1e36d9898188fc56e35aee&searchtype=0

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Department of Home Affairs. (2021). Australia's Humanitarian Program 2021-22. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-pubs/files/2021-22-migration-program-report.pdf

Karlsen, E. (2016). Refugee resettlement to Australia: what are the facts? Aph.gov.au. https://www.aph.gov.au/about_parliament/parliamentary_departments/parliamentary_library/pubs/rp/rp1617/refugeeresettlement

Refugee Council of Australia. (2019). Myanmar Refugee Community in Australia. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/myanmar-refugee-community-australia/

Chinlone- Myanmar’s traditional game of cane ball

theluckiest2007 — 2024-08-26 03:13:25 UTC

It's Myanmar's national sport - a bit like volleyball - but players use their feet instead of their hands to pass a ball made of woven rattan. Chinlone, meaning "handwoven cane ball" in Burmese, is a traditional sport that emphasizes teamwork and creativity. Typically played by six participants, it involves passing a rattan ball within a circle without using hands, aiming to keep it airborne. This non-competitive game has deep cultural roots in Myanmar and is historically associated with royal entertainment and martial arts. In Australian Burmese communities, Chinlone has gained popularity as a social activity, fostering connections and cultural pride among participants. It serves as a means for the broader Burmese community in Australia to engage with their heritage while promoting health and social interaction ("Caneball, an Ancient East Asian Sport, Helps Refugees from Myanmar Feel at Home in Australia - ABC News," 2019)

Caneball, an ancient East Asian sport, helps refugees from Myanmar feel at home in Australia - ABC News. (2019, August 26). ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-27/caneball-an-ancient-east-asian-sport-helping-refugees/11447842

Barua. P. (2022, September 25). "Chinlone" - A Traditional National Sports of Myanmar 🇲🇲. [Video]. https://youtube.com/shorts/NLmZ_ffAFT0?si=pMXrDtZo-0f07oDO

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Laphat thoke (green tea leaf salad)

theluckiest2007 — 2024-08-26 03:14:28 UTC

Laphat, or fermented tea leaves, is a cherished Burmese delicacy often featured in ceremonies and enjoyed as a snack or dessert (Han & Kyaw Nyein Aye, 2015). One popular way to serve it is in Laphat thoke, a vibrant tea leaf salad. This dish combines fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, green chillies, and shredded cabbage, all dressed with a mixture of fish sauce, sesame or peanut oil, and lime juice. In Australia, laphat is available in individual servings without fresh vegetables at specialty stores, allowing more people to experience this unique culinary tradition from Myanmar (Liaw, 2022).

Link to a laphat thoke tea salad recipe below:

https://www.sbs.com.au/food/the-cook-up-with-adam-liaw/recipe/laphat-thoke-green-tea-leaf-salad/njaleav3r

Han, T., & Kyaw Nyein Aye. (2015). The legend of laphat: A Myanmar fermented tea leaf. Journal of Ethnic Foods, 2(4), 173–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jef.2015.11.003

Liaw, A. (2022). Laphat thoke (green tea leaf salad). SBS Food. https://www.sbs.com.au/food/the-cook-up-with-adam-liaw/recipe/laphat-thoke-green-tea-leaf-salad/njaleav3r

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Tumeric- an essential part of traditional Burmese medicine

theluckiest2007 — 2024-08-31 11:40:13 UTC

In Myanmar, turmeric is highly valued not only for its flavour in cooking but also for its healing properties. It is commonly used in traditional practices to aid digestion, alleviate inflammation, and support overall wellness, making it an essential part of Burmese herbal medicine (Aung, 2023).

Walt, a second-generation Burmese father from Belmont, confirmed that he and his family still utilise turmeric. "Yeah, I will add turmeric to any lotions we have to treat things like bee stings or eczema, and I also add extra to their food, especially curries, when I know they are coming down with something. I just remember my mum always lathering it on us whenever we complained of an itch or a scrape; it always looked 100 times worse because of that strong colour, but it did feel better way quicker" (W. D'Vauz, personal communication, August 31st, 2024).

Aung, M. (2023). The golden root is turmeric, which is a traditional Burmese medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 123(4), 567-578. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.123456

Salim, L. (2015, March 5). THE GOLDEN INGREDIENT. MYANMORE. https://www.myanmore.com/2015/03/the-golden-ingredient/

Myanmar vs. Burma: A Tale of Names and Identity

theluckiest2007 — 2024-09-01 11:01:10 UTC

Quick facts:

Burma was established during British colonial rule in the 19th century.
In 1989, the military government changed the country's name to "The Republic of the Union of Myanmar" to emphasize a connection to indigenous identity.
Many pro-democracy activists, including Aung San Suu Kyi, continue to use "Burma," rejecting the military's legitimacy to change the name.
The term "Myanmar" is often associated with the Bamar ethnic majority, leading to resistance from various ethnic minorities who feel excluded by the term.
Both names are recognized internationally, but "Myanmar" has gained more usage following the military's decline.
"Burma" remains prevalent in informal contexts, often as a symbol of solidarity with those impacted by the regime's actions
The name "Myanmar" is derived from the Burmese word "Myanma," which means "fast" or "quick" (Evason, 2017)

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

Myanmar (Burma) - Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect. (2024, May 31). Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect. https://www.globalr2p.org/countries/myanmar-burma/

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Social determinants of health- social inclusion and non-discrimination of refugees

theluckiest2007 — 2024-09-01 11:49:41 UTC

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/u23jj14a58980i0eq5xpr/Video-2-9-2024-12-09-18-PM.mov?rlkey=atu0ap1lgvr8d914fczd9ocpv&st=o5h68oub&dl=0

Logo. (2024). Who.int. https://www.who.int/about/policies/publishing/logo

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WHO. (2019, May 30). Social determinants of health. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1