Sudanese culture by YUE JIA

Sudanese traditional healing practice

poppyyueyue — 2024-08-18 10:21:29 UTC

In Sudan, traditional healing practices are common. One such practice is Traditional Uvulectomy (TU), which involves the removal of the uvula from children under the age of five using a sharp knife or a thread made from horsetail (Abdalla et al., 2024). Culturally, it is believed that removing the uvula can prevent choking and diarrhea (Abdalla et al., 2024). This practice is deeply rooted in cultural tradition and is supported by local mothers. However, TU carries significant health risks, primarily due to the use of non-sterilized tools (Abdalla et al., 2024). To address these risks, it is recommended that traditional healers increase public awareness of the detrimental consequences of TU while respecting cultural beliefs and traditions (Abdalla et al., 2024).

Abdalla, D., Mohammed, Z., Satti, E., Osman, A., Alrawa, S. S., Abdalla, S., Ibrahim, D., Balla, S. A., & Hussien Mohamed Ahmed, K. A. (2024). Traditional uvulectomy; practice and belief among Sudanese children in Khartoum hospitals: A multi-center cross-sectional study. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 176, 111822–111822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111822

Domain 1: Clinical Expert

poppyyueyue — 2024-08-18 12:53:29 UTC

For me, the most relevant aspect of Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice is recognizing the impact of refugee-like experiences (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). I feel empathetic and have understood deeply the challenges they face, such as mental and physical trauma and post-traumatic disorders (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). With this knowledge, I now realize the importance of providing more person-centered care. For example, when caring for refugees with PTSD, I should listen with patience and sensitivity. This understanding is essential in the workplace because it helps me better consider my patients' needs and continuously adjust my nursing plan to ensure a safer and more comfortable care environment.

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. Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Principle health issue that refugees face

poppyyueyue — 2024-08-18 17:01:07 UTC

Before migrating to Australia, a significant proportion of Sudanese refugees had resided in refugee camps or regions afflicted by conflict for a long time. Therefore, mental health issues, especially Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), are common among Sudanese refugees (Abur and Mphande, 2020). PTSD is a diagnosable condition characterized by persistent fear, anxiety, and recollections of a traumatic experience (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). Due to cultural taboos and a lack of awareness of mental illness, mental health issues are often neglected in Sudan (Abur and Mphande, 2020). Therefore, a mental health assessment should be conducted upon arrival to identify those affected by PTSD and related trauma. These individuals should be referred to specialized torture and trauma services to ensure that they have access to professional mental health services, including counseling, psychotherapy, and medication (Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc (Foundation House) , n.d.).

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

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Mental Health. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health

History of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. (2016, September). History of PTSD and Trauma Diagnoses - Shell shock to the DSM. Trauma Dissociation. http://traumadissociation.com/ptsd/history-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html

Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc (Foundation House) . (n.d.). Australian Refugee Health» Primary Care for People of Refugee Backgrounds. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

poppyyueyue — 2024-08-18 17:55:29 UTC

It is reported that 77% of Sudanese migrants in Australia have experienced discrimination, including in housing and race-based harassment (Bruck et al., 2021). Furthermore, their traumatic experiences also limit their opportunities to integrate into society and secure employment (Abur and Mphande, 2020). These issues highlight a key social determinant of health identified by the World Health Organization (WHO): social inclusion and non-discrimination. Research indicates that social inclusion is associated with a reduction in disease prevalence and an extension of life expectancy. For Sudanese refugees, robust social networks provide essential support, helping them find employment, address financial challenges, and ultimately contribute to better overall health (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). Addressing discrimination and promoting inclusion are vital to the well-being of this vulnerable population.

Abur, W., & Mphande, C. (2020). Mental Health and Wellbeing of South Sudanese-Australians. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 55(3), 002190961988029. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021909619880294

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

Bruck, D., Atem Deng, S., Kot, B., & Grossman, M. (2021). Sleep difficulties among South Sudanese former refugees settled in Australia. Transcultural Psychiatry, 58(2), 136346152090312. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363461520903122

Ethnicity

poppyyueyue — 2024-08-20 04:10:40 UTC

Sudan is a multicultural and culturally rich country with two major population groups: Arabic in the north (39% of the population) and Black Africans in the south (52% of the population) (Queensland Health, 2011). Within these two groups, there are hundreds of tribes and ethnic groups, demonstrating the diversity of ethnicity. In addition, unique semi-nomadic peoples such as the Beja also make up a certain proportion of Sudan’s population, further enriching the country’s ethnic culture (Queensland Health, 2011). In Sudan, ethnicity is a complicated term that is frequently linked to cultural affinities (Queensland Health, 2011).

Queensland Health. (2011). Community Profiles for Health Care Providers - Sudanese profile. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/157378/sudanese2011.pdf.

Language

poppyyueyue — 2024-08-21 11:41:52 UTC

Sudan is a multilingual country. Arabic, as the primary language for much of the population, is one of the official languages in Sudan, alongside English (Al-Shahi et al., 2024). Arabic is widely used in government operations, business activities, and urban life (Al-Shahi et al., 2024). The linguistic landscape in Sudan is complex, encompassing three families of African languages: Afro-Asiatic, Nilo-Saharan, and Niger-Congo. Within the Afro-Asiatic family, Arabic and the Beja language (also known as Bedawi) are prominent. To overcome language barriers, Sudanese people often possess multilingual skills, with Arabic and English being the most commonly spoken second languages, which facilitates cultural exchange (Al-Shahi et al., 2024).

Al-Shahi, A. S. , Sikainga, . Ahmad Alawad , Unit, . Economist Intelligence , Sabr, . Mohy el Din , Spaulding, . Jay L. and Collins, . Robert O. (2024). Sudan | history - geography. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sudan

Sports

poppyyueyue — 2024-08-22 23:03:13 UTC

Sudan, an ancient country with a deep passion for sports, has a long history of athletic pursuits (Embassy of the Republic of The Sudan, 2024). From equestrianism and swimming to wrestling during the colonial period, the Sudanese have continuously inherited and developed a strong sporting spirit. Football is the most popular sport, loved by all Sudanese people (Embassy of the Republic of The Sudan, 2024). Clubs in Khartoum, such as Hilal, Mareikh, and Morada, are leading the trend. Since the establishment of the Football Federation in 1936, Sudan's sports industry has flourished. Sudan joined FIFA in 1948 and became a member of the Confederation of African Football in 1957, marking the official integration of Sudanese football into the global arena (Embassy of the Republic of The Sudan, 2024).

Embassy of the Republic of The Sudan. (2024). Sport. Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan | the Hague, the Netherlands. https://www.sudanembassy.nl/sport/