Multicultural Blog - Sudan by Porsha Harvey

Traditional Medicine - Khaya senegalensis

porsharaeuni — 2024-08-27 03:36:18 UTC

In Sudan, where 90% of the population relies on traditional medicine due to limited access to hospitals and modern drugs and a large nomadic community, traditional healers use knowledge passed down through folklore and local customs. There is no official pharmacopoeia or formal training for these practitioners (Elsadig Karar & Kuhnert, 2017).

Khaya senegalensis is widely used in rural areas for various health issues. Research shows that chloroform extracts from its bark and leaves effectively inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Additionally, different bark extracts demonstrate strong antibacterial activity against several pathogens, including Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus aureus. The plant also exhibits anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anthelmintic properties (Elsadig Karar & Kuhnert, 2017).

Elsadig Karar, M. G., & Kuhnert, N. (2017). Herbal Drugs from Sudan: Traditional Uses and Phytoconstituents. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 11(22), 83-103. https://doi.org/10.4103/phrev.phrev_15_15

Social Inclusion and Non-discrimination

porsharaeuni — 2024-08-27 07:59:52 UTC

A phenomenological qualitative study investigated the experiences of adult South Sudanese individuals residing in Sydney, Australia. Through semi-structured interviews with 26 participants, the research revealed insights into their self-identification, evolving experiences over time, and their social and life circumstances in Australia (Vaughan et al., 2022). The study revealed that identity formation was shaped by a range of personal and structural factors. Participants expressed feelings of hope, pride, and achievement, particularly concerning their children. However, they also encountered challenges related to employment and discrimination that impacted their sense of identity. Emphasizing social inclusion and non-discrimination can significantly improve their integration and benefit the wider community.

Vaughan, G., Nyanhanda, T., Rawal, L., Kaphle, S., Kelly, J., & Mude, W. (2022). Cultural Identity as a Determinant of Health among South Sudanese in Sydney, Australia. Health & Social Care in the Community, 2023(1), 4981800. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/4981800

Health Issues of Sudanese Refugees - Mental Health

porsharaeuni — 2024-08-27 08:42:13 UTC

Many refugees and their children experience trauma, conflict, and human rights abuses, including torture, which can lead to mental health issues. Additional stressors from settlement, such as language barriers, housing instability, financial problems, and loss of cultural ties, exacerbate mental illness (Mental Health » Australian Refugee Health, n.d.).

An approach to addressing these mental health issues is by talking with counsellors, friends or even religious leaders. While this method may not suit everyone, it can provide strategies for managing stress, improving emotional regulation, and strengthening social connections. These conversations with friends or counsellors often offer valuable support and understanding. It benefits well-being and relationships within the community (Mental Health » Australian Refugee Health, n.d.).

Mental health » Australian Refugee health. (n.d.). https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Domain 1: Clinical Expert

porsharaeuni — 2024-08-27 13:53:35 UTC

For me, the most important idea of Competency Standard 1.2 (Competency Standards Framework For Clinicians, 2019) is recognizing and addressing the impact of trauma and PTSD in refugee patients. Having learned about the traumatic reasons for seeking asylum and the sensitivity required, I now feel capable of caring for refugee patients with fairness and empathy. This skill is essential to me in the workplace because it enhances care quality and fosters a more inclusive environment. Previously, I did not notice that symptoms of trauma or PTSD may present differently across cultures. Equally, this could be due to differing definitions of trauma of which I believe I would need to research further to provide sensitive care.

Competency Standards Framework For Clinicians. (2019, January). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Sudanese Festivals and Celebrations

porsharaeuni — 2024-08-27 14:44:37 UTC

In Sudan, an Islamic country, holidays follow the Islamic calendar. The most significant celebrations are Mawlid an-Nabi and Eid al-Fitr. Mawlid an-Nabi commemorates the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. While this is an important event, Eid al-Fitr holds particular significance and is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the country. Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the fasting month, and features extensive festivities. Celebrations include mass prayers at mosques and large family gatherings. During this festival, families enjoy sumptuous meals, exchange gifts, and reflect on the spiritual and personal growth achieved during Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is regarded as the most prominent festival in Sudan, underscoring religious devotion and community bonds. (iExplore, n.d.).

iExplore. (n.d.). Festivals and events in Sudan. iExplore. https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/sudan/festivals-and-events#:~:text=Sudan%20is%20an%20Islamic%20nation,taking%20place%20in%20mosques%20everywhere

Cultural Sudanese Food

porsharaeuni — 2024-08-27 14:44:45 UTC

Sudanese cuisine strongly uses grains such as wheat, corn and millet. It often features legumes (beans, lentils, and peanuts), potatoes, and yams. Peanuts serve as a base thickener in many dishes and are used to add flavour. Meats traditionally used in these dishes are commonly goat, mutton, chicken, and fish. These meats are prepared by boiling, grilling, or drying (Cultural Diversity Resources, n.d.).

A key dish is Kissra, a bread made from durra or corn, typically paired with rich stews. These stews generally include meat, onions, spices, and peanut butter and might be enhanced with milk and yogurt for additional flavour and creaminess (Cultural Diversity Resources, n.d.).

Cultural Diversity Resources. (n.d.). Spotlight on culture: Sudanese cuisine. Cultural Diversity Resources. https://www.culturaldiversityresources.org/single-post/spotlight-on-culture-39#:~:text=Culinary%20Traditions,dried%20depending%20on%20the%20dish

Traditional Clothing

porsharaeuni — 2024-08-27 14:44:52 UTC

Clothing holds significant importance in South Sudanese culture as it reflects an individual's status, social class, clan, tribe, and gender (Cultural Diversity Resources, n.d.).

Traditional attire for South Sudanese men includes a long, loose-fitting robe called a jalabiya, which is usually white or in pastel colours. They also wear a headdress, which can be a skullcap or turban, along with shoes. The traditional shoes, known as Marquinhos, are typically crafted from bovine leather or crocodile skin (Cultural Diversity Resources, n.d.).

For South Sudanese women, the most common attire is the thobe (or thawb). This garment is a long, one-piece cloth, either white or colourful, wrapped around their inner clothing and often used to cover the head and hair ("Clothing in Sudan", 2024).

Cultural Diversity Resources. (n.d.). Spotlight on culture: Traditional and modern clothing. Cultural Diversity Resources. https://www.culturaldiversityresources.org/single-post/spotlight-on-culture-38

Clothing in Sudan. (2024, August 25). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothing_in_Sudan