Sudan Multicultural Blog by maria kassandra Gapuzan

Health Belief/Traditional Medicine

mariakassandragapuzan — 2024-08-26 03:29:58 UTC

In Sudan, especially in rural areas, cultural beliefs and practices are often lead to self-care and consultation with traditional healers (Mohammed & Babikir, 2013). Sudanese turn to traditional healers who are respected and are held in high regard to treat their health issues (Mohammed & Babikir, 2013). For many illnesses and infections such as malaria, inflammation, and diabetes, Sudanese rely on traditional medicine which continues to be the best practical choice for a long time, these treatment has components incorporating natural remedies like plants, herbs, and animals which are frequently used in Sudan and all over the world (Karar & Kuhnert, 2017).

Karar, M. G. E., & Kuhnert, N. (2017d). Herbal drugs from Sudan: Traditional uses and phytoconstituents. Pharmacognosy Reviews/Bioinformatics Trends/Pharmacognosy Review, 11(22), 83. https://doi.org/10.4103/phrev.phrev_15_15

Mohammed, I. N., & Babikir, H. E. (2013). Traditional and spiritual medicine among Sudanese children with epilepsy. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4949961/

Competency Standard

mariakassandragapuzan — 2024-08-28 04:48:20 UTC

Learning the competency standard Domain 1: Clinical Expert has helped me understand and respond to people from refugee and migrant backgrounds (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). Discrimination, a known social determinant of health, affects these groups significantly, a study revealed that individuals from these backgrounds experienced discrimination in Australia due to skin colour or ethnicity, both over 12 months ago and within the last year (Ziersch et al., 2020). Such experiences in resettlement countries can increase poor health and well-being (Ziersch et al., 2020). This knowledge is useful to me in the workplace as it enables me to apply cultural considerations to my care, better understand my patients' situations, enhance their sense of belonging and safety (National Academies Press (US), 2018).

National Academies Press (US). (2018). Immigration and the Social Determinants of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535940/

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

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, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3

Social Inclusion & Non-discrimination

mariakassandragapuzan — 2024-08-28 17:16:13 UTC

Every individual has the right to be socially included and engage in social life without facing discrimination (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2012). Australia welcomes many humanitarian arrivals annually through sponsored programs, offering services and resources for a smooth transition into the new society (Kaphle et al., 2024). In an interview, Participants discussed access to services, emphasizing the importance of traditional community support (Vaughan et al., 2023). Some stated that their experiences made them “feel Australian,” citing government services and noting “the health system is good. So, I also feel not ignored.” (Vaughan et al., 2023). Many Sudanese have received services and opportunities that allow them to attend school, gain employment, fostering a sense of hope and belonging (Vaughan et al., 2023).

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2012). Department of Health | Part II: Non-discrimination and social inclusion. inclusion. https://www1.health.gov.au/ internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/pub-sqps-rights-toc~pub-sqps-rights-2

Kaphle, S., Fanany, R., Kelly, J., Rawal, L., & Paudel, G. (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), 689–705. https://doi.org/10.1080/07256868.2024.2307947

Vaughan, G., Nyanhanda, T., Rawal, L., Kaphle, S., Kelly, J., & Mude, W. (2023). Cultural Identity as a Determinant of Health among South Sudanese in Sydney, Australia, 2023(1). Wiley. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/4981800

Sudan’s Cuisine

mariakassandragapuzan — 2024-08-28 17:40:13 UTC

Sudanese cuisine reflects the country’s origin by incorporating flavours from Middle Eastern, Arab, and African culinary traditions (RJ Travel Agency SARL Tour Operator & DMC, n.d). In Sudan's flavourful dishes, the majority of ingredients used in cuisines are yogurt, beans, fresh herbs, lamb, and beef along with an array of aromatic spices including cinnamon, cloves, etc (RJ Travel Agency SARL Tour Operator & DMC, n.d). A well-known Sudan cuisine is Kisra, a traditional flatbread made from sorghum or millet frequently served with a savoury stew and enjoyed at various gatherings (RJ Travel Agency SARL Tour Operator & DMC, n.d). Kajaik, a hand-to-eat fish stew, is another well-known delicacy from Sudan (Hamid, 2022). Shaiyah, a pan-fried meal of beef, lamb, or goat, is a well-liked food and is served on special occasions (Hamid, 2022).

Hamid, M. (2022, October 31). The top 10 most popular foods in Sudan. Chef’s Pencil. https://www.chefspencil.com/most-popular-foods-in-sudan/

RJ Travel Agency SARL Tour Operator & DMC. (N.d). Food from Sudan: Discover the richness of Sudanese cuisine. https://www.rjtravelagency.com/food-from-sudan/

Health Issues

mariakassandragapuzan — 2024-08-28 19:01:00 UTC

Majority of Sudanese spend their life in camps before arriving in Australia (Abur & Mphande, 2019). They are often unable to return to their Sudan due to conflict, insecurity, and starvation (Abur & Mphande, 2019). Sudanese are likely to develop mental health problems including post-traumatic stress disorder due to conflicts (Ssudan, n.d.). This results in Sudanese experiencing traumatic events before they arrive in camps (Abur & Mphande, 2019). Discussion on trauma and mental health issues is often avoided in South Sudanese culture as it’s viewed as a weakness (Abur & Mphande, 2019). Self-Help is the World Health Organisation’s stress management program, It’s delivered by facilitators who are under supervision and aren’t specialist (World Health Organisation, 2021). It has been demonstrated to reduce psychological stress and prevent the development of mental health disorders (World Health Organisation, 2021)

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

World Health Organisation. (2021). SELF-HELP PLUS (SH+). https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240035119

Ssudan. (n.d.). Mental health. World Health Organization - Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. https://www.emro.who.int/ssd/programmes/mental-health.html

Sudan’s Music

mariakassandragapuzan — 2024-08-28 19:13:26 UTC

The rich music in Africa is a significant aspect of the religious and social life of communities (Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan, n.d.). Sudan's music is vibrant and diverse, ranging from traditional folk music to popular urban music of the 20th century to African popular modern music influenced by various cultures (Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan, n.d.). It incorporates elements from Arabic, Western, and African roots, among many others (Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan, n.d.). The majority of Sudanese music styles are pentatonic, percussion, or polyrhythmic singing with oblique metaphors used in the rich tradition of lyrical expression to convey themes like love or the beauty of the country (Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan, n.d.).

Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan. (n.d.). Sudanese Music. https://www.sudanembassy.nl/sudanese-music/

Cultural Festivals

mariakassandragapuzan — 2024-08-28 20:40:38 UTC

Sudan celebrates a variety of Islamic holidays and festivals (Sudan holidays and festivals, n.d.). Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are both significant Islamic days, Eid al-Fitr marks at the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the end of the fasting period (iExplore, n.d.). Eid al-Adha is a holiday and is “celebrated in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah” (Global Diversity Hub, n.d). It’s also known as ‘the feast of the Sacrifice’ which involves slaughtering a sheep and then having a feast (iExplore, n.d.). Sudanese also celebrate a few non-Islamic events like Sufi Festival which is marked by vibrant costumes, music and dancing (Global Diversity Hub, n.d).

Global Diversity Hub. (N.d). Festivals in Sudan. https://globaldiversityhub.com/2920/

iExplore. (N.d.). Sudan Holidays and Festivals. https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/sudan/festivals-and-events