My Sudanese Blog by

Traditional Medicine

tuscantaylor — 2024-08-27 06:03:25 UTC

In Sudan, it is shown that the most common herbal medicines used are peppermint (mentha spicata), ginger (zingiber officinale), acacia nilotica, and hibiscus, and are most commonly taken orally, such as in tea (Mohamed et al.,2024). Since conventional medicines and hospitals are not always accessible, herbal medicines are still vastly used in Sudan (Mohamed et al.,2024). Sudan also has an excellent environment for growing different herbs, which makes it more cost-effective for everyone (Mohamed et al.,2024). Another study found that the same four herbal medicines were among the top used among their participants, mainly for gastrointestinal system disorders, respiratory disorders, microbial infections, and other illnesses and disorders (Mahmoud et al.,2024).

Mohamed, R., Mohamed, R., Dafalla, R., Ahmed, A., & Abdeldaim, A. (2024). The prevalence of herbal medicine among Sudanese adults: a cross-sectional study 2021. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1), 308–309. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04584-1

Mahmoud, E. I., Yousif, M. A., & Arbab, A. H. (2024). Attitude and Practice of Pharmacy Students Toward Traditional Herbal Medicines, Sudan. Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice, 13, 61–68. https://doi.org/10.2147/IPRP.S465056

Reflection

tuscantaylor — 2024-08-27 14:20:31 UTC

For me, the most significant aspect of Domain 1 was 1.1. I have developed my knowledge on assumptions and being insensitive to people of migrant and refugee backgrounds and that it causes adverse outcomes (Migrant & Refugee women's health partnership, 2019).

Having learned this, I now know the awareness it takes in the workplace to ensure trust and safety among patients. This knowledge will be essential to me because it ensures professionalism and improves patient health outcomes. Because I have not had placement, I will need to focus on aspects such as whether my patient is comfortable with the food the facility provides, do they need an interpreter, understand medical terms, and are comfortable with (based on their religion and beliefs) my gender while caring for them and whether they have the food/water to maintain their health when returning home. Subsequently, I realised that this skill would take time and be a learning journey as I will face many different situations daily.

Migrant & Refugee women's health partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds competency standard framework for clinicians. In Migrant and refugee health partnership. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/

Impact of social inclusion and non-discrimination

tuscantaylor — 2024-08-28 13:45:31 UTC

The impact of the determinant "social inclusion and non-discrimination" mostly has a negative impact on Sudanese people's health, as they are known to face isolation, leading to mental health problems, including stress, self-isolation, frustration/anger, and negative thoughts (United Nations, 2022). Sudanese people, unfortunately, also face discrimination, which affects their feeling of belonging and creates a fear of going out, which directly also impacts their mental health (United Nations, 2022). Another study also showed that the Sudanese community and even children in school faced mental health issues due to discrimination, which affected their sense of belonging (Abur & Mphande, 2019). Sadly, as part of traditional beliefs, mental health problems are not often discussed by Sudanese (United Nations, 2022).

United Nations. (2022, December 21). Australia: People of African descent living under siege of racism, say UN experts. OHCHR. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/12/australia-people-african-descent-living-under-siege-racism-say-un-experts

Abur, W., & Mphande, C. (2019). Mental Health and Wellbeing of South Sudanese-Australians. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 55(3), 412–428. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021909619880294

Sudanese health conditions upon arriving in Australia

tuscantaylor — 2024-08-29 00:25:21 UTC

Among Sudanese people, schistosomiasis is a health concern upon arriving in Australia (Davis et al., 2024). It is a chronic disease transmitted through parasitic worms that penetrate the skin when exposed to contaminated water, which then, through a process, can cause damage to organs and cause immune reactions (World Health Organization, 2023). Women and children are especially at risk from being exposed to contaminated water more often (bathing and chores) (World Health Organization, 2023). Treatment is safe and effective and requires doctors and nurses to administer Praziquantel, 40mg/kg, in two divided doses of 20mg/kg, taken 4 hours apart, while considering body weight for dosage (Davis et al., 2024).

Davis, J. S., Phillips, C., & Clifford, V. (2024). Schistosomiasis. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/schistosomiasis/

World Health Organization. (2023, February 1). Schistosomiasis. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schistosomiasis

Sudanese religion

tuscantaylor — 2024-08-29 01:42:46 UTC

In Sudan, the most comprehensive known religion is Islam, and the people who practice it are called Muslims; believing in Allah as their God and highly respecting Muhammad as considered to be the last prophet sent by Allah to show them the right way of life (BBC, n.d.). Muslims also follow the five pillars of Islam, which ensures this way of life; one aspect includes praying five times a day (BBC, n.d.). Islam is a significant part of Sudanese's personal, political, and legal aspects, from being tough in schools to laws founded on this religion, making it difficult for non-Islams (Evason, 2018).

BBC. (n.d.). What is Islam and what do Muslims believe in? BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrxxgwx

Evason, N. (2018). North Sudanese Culture - Religion. Cultural Atlas. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/north-sudanese-culture/north-sudanese-culture-religion

Food

tuscantaylor — 2024-08-29 01:54:17 UTC

A traditional food that is common among Sudanese is Kisra bread (Martin, 2013). It is a straightforward recipe, only needing 2 cups of sorghum flour 1 1/2 cups water, another cup of water, 1 cup all-purpose flour, and unroasted sesame seed oil or the rendered fat from cow brain for greasing

Recipe

1. Mix Sorghum flour with 1 1/2 cups water and sit overnight (12hrs)

2. Stir in all-purpose flower and cup of water

3. Heat a greased pan over medium heat and spread a thin portion of the batter over the top

4. Cook until edges fold up for 1-2 mins

Martin, S. (2013, April 13). Sudanese Kisra | Sorghum Crepes | Global Table Adventure. Global Table Adventure. https://globaltableadventure.com/recipe/recipe-sudanese-kisra-sorghum-crepes/

Language and communication

tuscantaylor — 2024-08-29 03:25:23 UTC

Many languages are spoken in Sudan, but the most common are Arabic and English (Joyce Chepkemoi, 2017). It is very uncommon among Sudanese people to swear, instead talking very respectfully, including naming each other "auntie" and "uncle" or "brother" and "sister" to show respect and fondness for a person (Evason, 2018). Some nonverbal communication beliefs include staring into someone else's eyes is seen as rude, keeping a distance from someone who has a higher status than them, and is not seen as usual to smile at a stranger (unlike Australia) and therefore can come across as very serious (Evason, 2018).

Evason, N. (2018). South Sudanese Culture. Cultural Atlas. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/south-sudanese-culture/south-sudanese-culture-communication#south-sudanese-culture-communication

Joyce Chepkemoi. (2017, August 1). What Languages Are Spoken in Sudan? World Atlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-languages-are-spoken-in-sudan.html