Sudanese Culture by

Health practices and beliefs

34815966 — 2024-08-28 04:15:12 UTC

People within Sudan believe strongly in massage, medicinal plant use, blood letting and blood cupping for health. Similarly to Australian culture using doctors and nurses for procedures; “Many surgical procedures are carried out by the basir (skilled person).” (Saeed, 1984, p.38). Medicinal plants in Sudan have been trialled over generations. Some examples of commonly used plants include, Hibiscus sabadariffa flower for coughs, and Jardiga for heartburn or gastrointestinal problems.

A health belief within Sudanese culture is female circumcision. According to Saeed, it is generally done in routine and to conform with society but it carries risk and complications (1984, p.38).

Saeed, B. O. (1984). Traditional medicine in the Sudan. Biochemical Education, 12(1), 37–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0307-4412(84)80014-x

Domain 1 reflection

34815966 — 2024-08-28 05:27:25 UTC

Domain 1.2 refers to clinicians recognising trauma and PTSD and changing the way they care for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, as necessary (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019, p.12). Having read this competency standard, I know that in my nursing practice I must consider people’s backgrounds and experiences when caring for them. I will need to be mindful of certain triggers or sensitive topics when discussing their health, during assessment, and throughout ongoing care. Everyone deals with trauma or experiences differently so I should never assume that all refugees or migrants are the same.

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 (pp. 12, 13). https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

‘Social inclusion and non-discrimination’ and it’s effect on health

34815966 — 2024-08-28 06:05:17 UTC

A study was conducted about how Sudanese migrants and refugees feel after resettling in Australia and facing challenges with discrimination. (Kephle et al, 2024). In this study, Kephle et al stated, “The perception of themselves as outsiders who are viewed in a negative manner by others has the potential to act as a barrier to addressing social, education, employment and health and well-being issues within this community” (2024, Discussion section para. 4). This shows that Sudanese peoples are not feeling as welcomed as they should be which is directly impacting their health and well-being.

Sabitra Kaphle, Fanany, R., Kelly, J., Rawal, L., & Grish Paudel. (2024). Living at the Fence – Navigating Complexities While Settling in New Country: Lived Experiences of South Sudanese Refugees in Australia. Journal of Intercultural Studies, 45(4), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/07256868.2024.2307947

Common Health Issues

34815966 — 2024-08-28 06:39:54 UTC

According to the Australian Refugee Health and Practice Guide (2024), blood conditions including anaemia and iron deficiency are common amongst refugees and migrants entering Australia. These conditions can be detected through a simple blood test and treatment is easy with infusions, dietary changes, and supplements. Eating red meat is a great way to effectively increase iron levels through diet. Mayo Clinic states, “To treat iron deficiency anaemia, your doctor may recommend that you take iron supplements. Your doctor will also treat the underlying cause of your iron deficiency, if necessary.” (2022, Treatment section para.2).

Chaves, N., & Paxton, G. (n.d.). Anaemia, Iron Deficiency, and Other Blood Conditions» Australian Refugee Health. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/anaemia-iron-deficiency-and-other-blood-conditions/

Iron deficiency anemia-Iron deficiency anemia - Diagnosis & treatment. (2022, January 4). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355040#treatment

Sudanese cuisine

34815966 — 2024-08-28 08:22:27 UTC

Sudanese food includes lots of stews, gravies, salad, peanuts, rice, pastries and a range of desserts (Eltigani and Habiballa, n.d., para.2). One dish, commonly made in Sudan, is called Salatat Dakar, or peanut salad. It is made with peanut butter, water, freshly squeezed lime juice, sesame oil, malt vinegar salt and pepper, chilli, onion, tomato, and coriander (Eltigani and Habiballa, n.d., para.15). Shaaria is one of the traditional desserts enjoyed in Sudan. It is made from boiled and friend pasta nets, sugar, melted butter, raisins, coconut, sesame oil and salt. It is cooked and eaten during Ramadan (TasteAtlas, 2024, para.3).

Eltigani, O., & Habiballa, L. (2018, June 4). And in Sudan, A Famished Food Culture. The Third Rail. http://thirdrailquarterly.org/and-in-sudan-a-famished-food-culture/#:~:text=Sudanese%20cuisine%20consists%20of%20a

TasteAtlas. (2024, May 15). 3 best desserts in sudan. Tasteatlas.com; TasteAtlas. https://www.tasteatlas.com/best-rated-desserts-in-sudan#:~:text=Shaaria%20is%20a%20traditional%20Sudanese

Religion across Sudan

34815966 — 2024-08-28 14:16:23 UTC

According to U.S. Department of State, “2020 Pew Research Centre data estimates that 91% of the population is Muslim,” (n.d., Religious Demography section para.1). The rest of the population is a mix of Christian, Indigenous religions, and other religions or unaffiliated. They say, “Christians reside throughout the country, primarily in major cities such as Khartoum, Port Sudan, Kassala, Gedaref, El Obeid, and El Fasher.” (U.S. Department of State, n.d., Religious Demography section para.3). The Roman Catholic Church, Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, and Sudan Interior Church are just some of the major Christian groups in Sudan (U.S. Department of State, n.d., Religious Demography section para.4).

Sudan - United States Department of State. (2023, May 15). United States Department of State. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/sudan/#:~:text=2020%20Pew%20Research%20Center%20data

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Languages spoken in Sudan

34815966 — 2024-08-28 14:28:18 UTC

In Sudan, Arabic and English are the two official spoken languages, with an estimated 114 languages indigenous to the country (Chepkemoi, 2017, para.1). Chepkemoi states, “The language is used mainly in one dialect namely the Sudanese Arabic. This dialect is classified in the Afro-Asiatic family, and it is different from Egyptian Arabic.” (2017, para.2). Across Sudan, different variants of Arabic are spoken in different areas. An example would be that in Southern Sudan they more commonly speak the Juba Arabic variant, and Hejazi and Najzdi are more common in the mid-eastern and mid-northern areas (Chepkemoi, 2017, para.2).

WorldAtlas. (2017, July 26). What Languages Are Spoken In Sudan?WorldAtlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-languages-are-spoken-in-sudan.html

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