Understanding the healthcare needs of Sudanese refugee women settling in Australia

Abstract

Objective: Explore the healthcare needs of Sudanese refugee women settling in Australia. Background: Refugees from Sudan are the fastest growing community in Australia. Nurses who care for people from the Sudan will be required to be familiar with the needs of this emerging community and offer culturally competent and safe care. Methods: Integrative review of the literature. Results: Sudan is one of the countries in Africa where the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), cutting or circumcision is considered a social norm. This is a deeply rooted traditional cultural practice that is still prevalent in many developing countries. Healthcare professionals in Australia are ill equipped to care for women and children who have undergone this procedure. This paper explores the Sudanese refugee community in Shepparton, Victoria to explore the nursing considerations caring for women affected by FGM within the Australian health care context. Conclusions: There is a need for more education in undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional education on the healthcare needs of women who have undergone female genital mutilation in order to provide appropriate care and support for these women.