Multicultural Health Blog: Syria by

Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds Competency

35574423 — 2025-08-15 04:20:05 UTC

For me, the most meaningful aspect of working with people from refugee backgrounds resulted from recognising how past traumatic experiences can influence health needs and outcomes. I have developed my understanding of this through Nursing Competency Standard 1.2, which highlights consideration of refugees’ past experiences throughout assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). Having learnt more about trauma-informed care, I now realise it is essential to approach every interaction with cultural sensitivity and awareness, as it ensures my practice is supportive of patients of refugee backgrounds. This knowledge is essential to me in the workplace because it enables me to provide care that recognises past traumas. Because I have not yet dealt with patients who have experienced complex trauma, I will now need to know more about trauma-informed care approaches (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). I thought all patients would respond similarly to procedures, but I now understand trauma can create very different reactions. Alternatively, this is probably due to my limited prior experience with refugee patients with complex trauma histories.

References:

Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019) Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership.

https://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/4578910/mod_resource/content/4/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

WHO Social Determinants of Social Inclusion and Protection from Discrimination

35574423 — 2025-08-15 04:22:17 UTC

Syrian refugees arriving in Australia face many challenges, with their health strongly influenced by the WHO (2025) social determinants of social inclusion and protection from discrimination. Research shows that discrimination is harmful to health. In South Australia, 22% of refugees reported experiences of discrimination since arriving in the country, with 90% feeling as though it was harming their health, particularly their mental health (Ziersch et al. 2020). This highlights how health outcomes are not only shaped by access to services, but also by the social environments refugees encounter in their daily lives. Social inclusion, including meaningful connections with neighbours and participation in community activities, has been shown to improve both physical and mental well-being among refugees (Song et al. 2025). On the other hand, social exclusion and discrimination increase stress and anxiety, potentially leading to long-term health consequences (AIHW, 2024). Ensuring that Syrian refugees experience social inclusion and non-discrimination is therefore critical to supporting their overall health and successful integration into Australian society (WHO, 2025).

References:

AIHW (2024) Social determinants of health. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-of-health

https://academic.oup.com/jrs/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jrs/feaf036/8156928?utm_source=chatgpt.com&login=false

Song, J., Corcoran, J., & Zahnow, R. (2025) Understanding the impact of social connectedness on health and well-being among refugees in Australia. Journal of Refugee Studies.

https://academic.oup.com/jrs/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jrs/feaf036/8156928?utm_source=chatgpt.com&login=false

WHO (2023) Human rights. World Health Organisation.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-rights-and-health#:~:text=Non%2Ddiscrimination%20and%20equality:%20This,access%20the%20information%20they%20need.

Ziersch, A., Due, C., & Walsh, M. (2020) Discrimination: a health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health

https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Mental Health as a Common Health Concern

35574423 — 2025-08-15 04:22:29 UTC

Individuals from refugee backgrounds, including those from Syria, come from diverse experiences. Whilst Syrian refugees share common Australian health issues, they face higher rates of long-term psychological problems compared to other migrants due to persecution and displacement (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2018). A key health concern among Syrian refugees is poor mental health, often as a result of experiences of war, violence, trauma, and loss of relatives. Research indicates that up to 44% of Syrian refugees suffer from severe mental health disorders, with PTSD highly prevalent and up to a third meeting the criteria (Kiang et al., 2025). One treatment option to address this issue is trauma-informed psychotherapy. Community programs are highly recommended to help individuals with resettlement stressors, and they address the impact of trauma, with existing research showing hopeful results. Programs with a group component offer safe spaces for sharing experiences and reducing isolation. The programs help normalise trauma reactions and build coping strategies, ultimately improving mental health outcomes for those affected by war and displacement (Tomasi et al., 2022).

References:

Australia Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2018) Refugee patients in primary care. Australia Refugee Health Practice Guide

https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/refugee-patients-in-primary-care/

Kiang, K., & Paxton, G. (2015) Syrian refugees - key issues. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.

https://www.rch.org.au/immigranthealth/clinical/syrian-refugees/

Tomasi, A., Slewa-Younan, S., Narchal, R., & Rioseco, P. (2022) Understanding the mental health and help-seeking behaviours of refugees. Australian Institute of Family Studies. https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/understanding-mental-health-and-help-seeking-behaviours-refugees

Tradition Medicine in Syria

35574423 — 2025-08-15 04:22:39 UTC

Traditional medicine (TM) remains an important practice rooted within Syrian culture. In particular, herbal remedies have been serving as both a source of healing and a reflection of cultural identity. Khatib et al. (2021) recorded in an ethnobotanical study in central Syria that 76 medicinal plants from 39 families are used to treat over 100 conditions, including digestive and respiratory illnesses. Remedies are typically prepared by local practitioners, known as Attarin or Tabib Arabi, using teas, oils, or poultices. Many Syrians believe plant-based medicines are safer and more natural than pharmaceuticals (Khatib et al. 2021). Common examples include chamomile for gastrointestinal problems and thyme or anise for respiratory conditions. These treatments are viewed as cost-effective, with fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals, making them particularly important in rural and low-income communities. TM reflects the long-standing knowledge and traditions passed down through generations and continues to blend practical healthcare with cultural heritage in Syrian communities (Khatib et al., 2021).

References:

Khatib, C., Nattouf, A., & Isam Hasan Agha, M. (2021) Traditional medicines and their common uses in central region of Syria: Hama and Homs – an ethnomedicinal survey. National Libary of Medicine

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8231352/