title: Death and dying in Australia: perceptions of a Sudanese community.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to obtain information to support Palliative Care healthcare workers to meet the needs of the Sudanese population in death, dying, and bereavement.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Australia is a multicultural society and healthcare workers are faced with increasing numbers and diversity of immigrants to whom healthcare professionals strive to provide quality health care.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative interpretive approach was used with data collected from a sample of 15 participants during focus group discussions. Data were collected in 2008-2009, transcribed and analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The main themes and ideas identified in the dialogues were analysed under five main headings--Communication issues including disclosure and consent; Concepts of disease and illness; Attitudes towards medical treatments; Customs surrounding death, dying and bereavement; and Spiritual and religious issues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The cultures and traditions of African countries vary widely; this study provides a snapshot of the views of a Sudanese African community about death and dying in Australia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Palliative Care, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Hunter Region Mail Centre, New South Wales, Australia. ludmilla.sneesby@mater.health.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Ludmilla
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sneesby
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Satchell
authors.forename: Phillip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Good
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: van der Riet
mesh_terms: D001293:Attitude to Death / Q000208:ethnology*; D001315:Australia / Q000208:ethnology; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003643:Death; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012067:Religion; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000208:ethnology