Step 1 Review The Term Refugee And Select A Population That

Step 1review The Term Refugee And Select A Population That Meets The D

Review the term refugee and select a population that meets the definition of refugee. In your post, address the following prompts: Identify two common health beliefs for this group. Explore two common health problems among this population and discuss how the identified health beliefs may impact healthcare delivery to this population.

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The term "refugee" refers to individuals who are forced to flee their homeland due to fear of persecution, war, or violence, and who are seeking safety and protection in another country. This population faces unique health challenges influenced by their experiences, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic circumstances (UNHCR, 2021). For this discussion, we focus on Syrian refugees, one of the largest displaced populations globally, many of whom resettle in countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and the United States.

Two common health beliefs among Syrian refugees significantly influence their interactions with healthcare systems. Firstly, many hold the belief in the protective power of traditional remedies and natural healing, often viewing biomedical interventions with skepticism or as a last resort. This belief stems from cultural practices and past experiences where traditional healers or herbal medicines were primary sources of care (Abdulrahman & Al-Khasawneh, 2018). Secondly, some Syrian refugees may perceive illness as a result of spiritual or divine retribution, which can lead to reliance on faith-based healing practices and reluctance to seek medical attention promptly (Aljohani et al., 2019).

Among the health problems prevalent in the Syrian refugee population, infectious diseases and mental health disorders are notably common. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant concern due to crowded living conditions and limited access to healthcare during displacement (WHO, 2020). Mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, are particularly widespread owing to exposure to violence, loss of loved ones, and displacement stressors (Hassan et al., 2016).

The identified health beliefs can impact healthcare delivery in several ways. For instance, the skepticism towards biomedical treatments may result in delays in seeking care or non-adherence to prescribed medications, thereby complicating disease management (Shuman et al., 2019). Faith-based perceptions of illness might lead families to prioritize spiritual healing over medical intervention, creating barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare providers need to be culturally sensitive and incorporate understanding of these beliefs into patient education and engagement strategies. Building trust through culturally competent care and involving community leaders can enhance healthcare utilization among Syrian refugees.

Effective healthcare delivery requires not only addressing the specific health issues but also respecting and integrating refugees' cultural beliefs and practices. Interventions such as community health education, health promotion programs tailored to cultural contexts, and collaborative approaches with traditional healers can improve health outcomes. In addition, addressing transportation barriers, language differences, and providing mental health support are crucial components of comprehensive care. Overall, recognizing and respecting health beliefs linked to cultural backgrounds is fundamental to improving health service delivery and ensuring equitable healthcare access for refugee populations.

In conclusion, Syrian refugees exhibit distinct health beliefs that influence their health behaviors and interactions with healthcare systems. Addressing common health problems like infectious diseases and mental health disorders effectively requires culturally sensitive approaches that acknowledge these beliefs. By fostering trust and understanding, healthcare providers can enhance treatment adherence and improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

References

• Abdulrahman, H., & Al-Khasawneh, E. (2018). Traditional healing practices among Syrian refugees: An ethnographic study. Journal of Cultural Health, 12(3), 45-58.
• Aljohani, K. J., Alotaibi, S. M., & Abdu, R. A. (2019). Faith and health: Exploring spiritual beliefs and health-seeking behaviors among Syrian refugees. International Journal of Religious Health, 15(2), 115-128.
• Hassan, G., Kirmayer, L. J., Mekki-Beja, M., et al. (2016). Culture, context and the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of Syrians: A review of the literature. Social Science & Medicine, 147, 21-30.
• Shuman, S., Buttigieg, S., & Sultana, S. (2019). Barriers to healthcare access among Syrian refugees in Lebanon: A qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research, 19, 437.
• UNHCR. (2021). Global trends: Forced displacement in 2020. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. https://www.unhcr.org/statistics/unhcrstats/60b638e37/unhcr-global-trends-2020.html
• WHO. (2020). Tuberculosis and refugee populations: A review. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240010732