NUR137: Multicultural health Padlet Blog by 35084302@student.murdoch.edu.au

Domain 1 (Clinical Expert) reflection

35084302 — 2025-08-25 09:18:35 UTC

I consider the Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework's Domain 1, Standard 1.2, which places a strong emphasis on identifying and treating how culture affects health (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). As a student nurse, I learned that cultural customs, such as Syrian refugees' dependence on prayer, family engagement, or traditional treatments, can significantly influence health decisions. To apply this norm, I must politely incorporate these behaviours into their care planning and ask about their needs without judgement (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). For instance, I would investigate a patient's use of herbal teas to alleviate a cough, look for possible drug interactions, and carefully explain any clinical concerns. This respect’s cultural identity in addition to maintaining health safety. I am aware of the difficulty in maintaining a balance between cultural preferences and evidence-based care, as well as the necessity of cooperatively negotiating care plans. After referring to Standard 1.2 of Domain 1 (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019), My understanding of the importance of culturally responsive practice in promoting safe, person-cantered care, addressing health disparities, and building trust between healthcare professionals and patients has grown.

Reference:

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

Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

35084302 — 2025-08-25 09:21:40 UTC

According to the World Health Organisation (2025) social determinants of health include the circumstances surrounding a person's birth, development, living, and employment that can hinder their access to healthcare. For instance, Syrian refugees find it difficult to settle in Australia due to exclusion. Exclusion lowers the likelihood of people seeking medical attention, using preventive care sufficiently, and experiences deterioration in their mental health (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). Language barrier, unemployment, and prejudice are common social discriminants that make refugee families feel excluded and discriminated against (Nguyen et al., 2022). By fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion, it enhances their trust in health care and improve their willingness to access healthcare services (Nguyen et al., 2022). Promoting procedures that lessen stigma and provide equal care is a professional obligation for nurses. I can contribute to lowering health disparities by engaging interpreters, recognising cultural identity, and encouraging polite conversation. Through promoting inclusion, I not only help individuals but also help to strengthen communities and improve welfare across ethnic Australia.

Reference:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024, July 2). Social determinants of health. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-of-health

World Health Organization. (2025). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Nguyen, T. P., Guajardo, M. G. U., Sahle, B. W., Renzaho, A. M. N., & Slewa-Younan, S. (2022). Prevalence of common mental disorders in adult Syrian refugees resettled in high income Western countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03664-7

Health Belief and Traditional Medicine

35084302 — 2025-08-25 09:23:26 UTC

This post is about traditional Syrian medical procedures. Herbal remedies are still used daily by many Syrian refugees. The Syrian bean caper, or Zygophyllum fabago L., is a notable example. Research shows its nutritional value, and it has been used traditionally to help with digestive problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol (Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian & Sun, 2023). Camomile tea is another popular cure that is frequently used to ease stomach discomfort, lower stress levels, and enhance sleep quality (Dai et al., 2022). Additionally, prayer practices are essential to welfare because they provide spiritual comfort in difficult situations (Khoury et al., 2024). As a nurse, I am aware that these customs offer comfort and cultural identification. I am also aware that herbal therapies and prescription medications occasionally interact. I can ensure patient safety while promoting culturally sensitive, comprehensive treatment by politely inquiring about these customs and escalating to other members of the multidisciplinary team if necessary.

Reference:

Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian, & Sun, W. (2023). A Friendly Strategy for an Organic Life by Considering Syrian Bean Caper (Zygophyllum fabago L.), and Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.). Current Nutrition & Food Science, 19(9), 870–874. https://doi.org/10.2174/1573401319666230207093757

Khoury, B., Rafeh, M., & Dargham, Z. B. (2024). Traditional healing for physical and mental problems in the Arab region: past and current practices. BJPsych International, 21(2), 44–46. https://doi.org/10.1192/bji.2024.3

Dai, Y.-L., Li, Y., Wang, Q., Niu, F.-J., Li, K.-W., Wang, Y.-Y., Wang, J., Zhou, C.-Z., & Gao, L.-N. (2022). Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies. Molecules, 28(1), 133. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010133

Mental Health Challenges Among Syrian Refugees: Trauma-Informed Nursing Approaches

35084302 — 2025-08-25 09:24:45 UTC

Mental health conditions including PTSD, depression, and anxiety are among the most common issues when I think of the medical needs of Syrian refugees. One in ten Syrians suffer from mild to moderate mental health problems, and one in thirty have severe illnesses that are made worse by the ongoing conflict (World Health Organization Syrian Arab Republic, 2020). The trauma of war, displacement, and the stress of adjusting to a new life in a foreign nation are frequently the causes of these challenges. I learned that I should put an emphasis on early detection by thoroughly screening for symptoms in primary care using proven methods (Singleton et al., 2025). It is crucial to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe care, which entails collaborating with bicultural personnel or interpreters to build trust and prevent re-traumatization. If there are any issues, I would direct patients to refugee health providers, mental health programmes. I would also support therapies such cognitive behavioural therapy and family support when required (Singleton et al., 2025). The occurrence of mental health illness is significantly high among Syrian refugees (Nguyen et al., 2022).

Reference:

World Health Organization Syrian Arab Republic. (2020). World Health Organization Syrian Arab Republic. https://www.emro.who.int/images/stories/syria/documents/who-syria-annual-report-2020.pdf

Singleton, G., Hocking, D., Gardiner, J., & Paxton, G. (2025). Mental Health. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/