Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Groups
Australia is ethnically a highly diverse country. A person’s cultural background i.e. country of birth, language spoken at home, religion and ethnic background may have an impact on drug use and / or associated problems and their resolution.
Cultural Background and Drug Use
Different cultures vary in their attitudes to and use of alcohol and other drugs. For example:- alcohol consumption varies greatly within and between countries
- in Italy, for example, wine is commonly consumed with meals but intoxication is not accepted
- some cultures favour the use of drugs little known in Australia
- khat
- betel nut
- alcohol is much less widely used in many countries, including some which are significant sources of refugees and migrants to Australia
- in many Asian countries, the traditional use of opioids once tended to be by smoking – this is rapidly changing with injecting becoming increasingly common among Asian populations
Religious Affiliation
Religious observance:- is often an important aspect of culture
- may play a part in the manner and extent of drug use
The circumstances under which a person came to Australia may also be important. Those migrating under family reunion quotas may have more support than refugees who may have previously faced poverty, illness and war.
Some individuals may have depression or post-traumatic stress disorder following trauma or torture in their country of origin.
Prevention and Treatment Strategies
Primary Prevention
- prevention and treatment programs need to take into account the characteristics of individuals with Indigenous and non-English speaking backgrounds
- different cultural values and language issues need to be considered in any prevention strategy
- ethnic newspapers and broadcasting services can be used in primary prevention strategies
Secondary Prevention
Many screening tools:- have not been validated with different ethnic or cultural groups
- should be used and interpreted with care
Interpreting and Translation
The use of skilled interpreters with the appropriate dialect and of the patient / client’s preferred gender is crucial.It is inappropriate to use family members as interpreters, even if the patient does not see the need.
An interpreter may still be required to ensure an accurate assessment and appropriate management strategy.
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