Traditional medicine is one of the cornerstones of health practices in Sudan. The people of Sudanese culture blend herbal remedies with spiritual beliefs, and a common traditional medicine is ‘Karkade’ (Mariod et al., 2023). It is also known as hibiscus tea, and it is famous for its medical properties and cherished for its refreshing taste. It is also widely believed that hibiscus tea helps lower blood pressure levels, develop digestion, and improve liver health (Khalid et al., 2012). The cultural belief is related to natural remedies, which focus on the deep respect for the holistic healing process and preference for natural remedies except for synthetic treatment. This approach is highly significant for developing spirituality with you and community-based healing, reflecting the cultural belief in health in Sudan.

References:

Khalid, H., Abdalla, W. E., Abdelgadir, H., Opatz, T., & Efferth, T. (2012). Gems from traditional north-African medicine: medicinal and aromatic plants from Sudan. Natural products and bioprospecting, 2, 92-103. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s13659-012-0015-2.pdf

Mariod, A., Mohamedain, A., & Tahir, H. E. (2023). Medicinal plants and phytomedicines are used to treat or prevent illnesses in Sudan: a review. Tradit Med Res, 8(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.53388/TMR20220323003

While reflecting on the culturally responsive clinical practice Framework, I am committed to applying standard 1.2, which is highly significant for understanding cultural practices in patient care. It helps me understand the appropriate management of integrity in Healthcare practices while valuing the requirements of every person without any discrimination (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019; Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2019). I understand the importance of traditional medicine in Sudanese culture while discussing this with my patients. The appropriate management of respecting health beliefs will help improve my patients' positive health outcomes through better patient-centric practices.

References:

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2019). Clinical Care Standards | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Safety and Quality. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/clinical-care-standards

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. Migrants and Refugees. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

In healthcare, social and non-discrimination factors highly support the significant development of multicultural health. Including Sudanese refugees in Australia is one of the important factors in maintaining an integrated social environment (Abur, 2022). The positive integration of people in healthcare practices to reduce discrimination. For example, respecting refugees from other cultures is important as they suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The non-discriminating attitude also helps improve self-identity and positivity in healthcare for better support in quality care provision.
Reference:

Abur, W. (2022). Migration and settlement of african people in Australia. In The Changing Tide of Immigration and Emigration During the Last Three Centuries. IntechOpen. https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/85286/1/external_content.pdf#page=107

Malaria is one of the common health issues that are prevalent for Sudanese refugees in Australia. This is due to the high prevalence of malaria in Sudan. The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide focuses on screening Valeria upon arrival and providing appropriate treatment if necessary (Australian Government Department of Health, 2020). Antimalarial medications such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are highly effective in controlling the condition and providing proper treatment. Moreover, education on anti-malaria precautions helps prevent malaria. In this regard, recommendations are given for the proper communication between the patient and their family to prevent this issue.

Reference:

Australian Government Department of Health. (2020). Australian Refugee Health. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Languages are a highly important component in Sudan's culture, and Arabic is used widely. For Sudanese refugees, maintaining their native languages is important for preserving their cultural identity and ensuring effective communication (Peters et al., 2020). Appropriate language management can be done by reducing language barriers while improving integration in the healthcare setting. It is also important for healthcare providers to interpret culturally sensitive communication strategies to reduce these gaps with proper patient interaction for better communication.

Reference:

Peters, L., Bourke, S., Green, J., Johnson, E., Anish, L., & Jones, L. (2020). Understanding the healthcare needs of Sudanese refugee women settling in Australia. Clinical Nursing Studies, 8(2), 40-46. https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/files/226040382/216544399_Published_article.pdf

Music is an important part of Sudan's cultural identity. Music helps express traditions, which also supports understanding their spiritual connection with daily life (Wilcock, 2023). It helps them to comfort and connect with the homeland, especially in times of hardship. Understanding the cultural aspect can help Healthcare providers create an integrated environment for patients.

References:

Wilcock, C. A. (2023). In the groove and in the moment: epistemology and ethics in ethnography with Sudanese musician revolutionaries. Qualitative Research, 23(3), 746-763. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/14687941211047720

Traditional clothing is also significant in a culture. In Sudanese culture, the ‘jalabiya’ is a loose-fitting garment that is the traditional clothing of men and the ‘Toub’ is a colourful wrap worn by women that symbolises modesty and cultural identity (Abur & Mphande, 2020). All these factors are highly significant for understanding cultural interests while respecting the requirements of every patient during Healthcare practices. It is the responsibility of the health care providers to respect cultural traditions such as clothing and interests while in treatment.

Reference:

Abur, W., & Mphande, C. (2020). Mental health and wellbeing of South Sudanese-Australians. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 55(3), 412-428. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021909619880294