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In Afghanistan, many people associate illnesses with supernatural causes like witchcraft, the evil eye, possession by evil spirits, or God’s will (Arizona Department of Health Services). As a result, many often turn to faith and prayer for treatment and healing. Due to these spiritual beliefs, some Afghans view Western Medicine as useless and are sceptical of healthcare systems. Instead, traditional remedies, such as boiling plants and herbs, are commonly used as medicine (Arizona Department of Health Services). These practices and beliefs emphasise the importance of spiritual healing in Afghan culture, something healthcare providers need to understand and respect with refugee patients to ensure culturally responsive care.

Citations:

Arizona Department of Health Services. (n.d.). Community Profile: Afghan. Arizona Department of Health Services.

Voudouri, I., Gul, E., & Yari, Y. (2022). How do IHL and Islamic law protect and ensure humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan? Retrieved from Humanitarian Law & Policy: https://blogs.icrc.org/law-and-policy/2022/04/28/how-do-ihl-and-islamic-law-protect-and-ensure-humanitarian-assistance-in-afghanistan/

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Health Concerns of Afghan Refugees; Mental Health

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Health Concerns of Afghan Refugees; Mental Health

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Many Afghan refugees, when arriving in Australia, often face mental health challenges due to their experiences with conflict, trauma, displacement, and family separation (Singleton et al.,2024). Conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety is commonly seen in refugees, making it difficult for them to adjust to life in a new country. To help manage these mental health issues, Singleton et al. (2024) recommend encouraging refugees to talk to friends or counsellors to help relieve stress and process emotions, providing crucial support during their adjustment period.

Citation:

Singleton, G., Hocking, D., Gardiner, J., & Paxton, G. (2024). Mental Health . Retrieved from Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide: https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Tomasi, A.-M., Slewa-Younan, S., Narchal, R., & Rioseco, P. (2022). Understanding the mental health and help-seeking behaviours of refugees. Retrieved from Australian Institute of Family Studies: https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/understanding-mental-health-and-help-seeking-behaviours-refugees

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Kabuli Pulao is known as the national dish of Afghanistan (Drzazgowski, 2024). It is a flavourful and aromatic meal highlighting Afghanistan's culinary heritage. It is composed of tender lamb, rice, and a blend of carrots, onions, cinnamon, raisins, cardamom, black pepper, almonds, sugar, and cloves to create a pleasant balance of both Savory and sweet flavours (Drzazgowski, 2024). This dish is traditionally prepared by placing the lamb on top of the rice, garnished with caramelised carrots, roasted almonds, and sweet raisins. Kabuli Pulao holds strong cultural importance, as a woman's ability to prepare this dish is often viewed as a reflection of her suitability for marriage (Drzazgowski, 2024).

Citation:

Drzazgowski, A. (2024). Kabuli Pulao (Spiced Lamb Pilaf) from Afghanistan. Retrieved from The Foreign Fork: https://foreignfork.com/kabuli-pulao/

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Social Inclusion and Non- Discrimination WHO

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Social Inclusion and Non- Discrimination WHO

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Many Afghan refugees have faced strict restrictions on health choices and access to healthcare in their home country (World Health Organisation, 2024). Women, in particular, often avoided medical treatment during pregnancy due to fears of high cost and public exposure ( Queensland Health, 2011). When these refugees arrive in Australia, many continue to avoid the healthcare system because of these embedded fears, which can jeopardise both their health and their family’s health. By promoting inclusiveness, non-discriminatory practices, financial support, privacy and culturally sensitive care, Afghan refugees will be more likely to access the necessary medical services, leading to improved health outcomes.

Citation:

Amnesty International. (2024). REFUGEES IN AUSTRALIA: OVERCOMING ADVERSITY, CHAMPIONING CHANGE. Retrieved from Amnesty International: https://www.amnesty.org.au/refugees-in-australia-overcoming-adversity-championing-change/

Queensland Health. (2011). Afghan Australians. Queensland Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/156398/afghan2011.pdf

World Health Organisation. (2024). Social Determinants of Health. Retrieved from World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

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In Afghanistan, the official religion is Islam, with 99.7% of the population identifying as Muslim (Evason, 2019). Religion is deeply rooted in daily life, shaping language, prayers, dress, and dietary practices (Evason, 2019). Demonstrating faith and religious loyalty is valued highly in Afghan society. However, expressing discontent with the Islam religion is often seen as blasphemous and can lead to social discrimination or harsh punishments by family or the community (Evason, 2019). The strong relationship with religion showcases the importance of religion in shaping Afghan cultural norms and social expectations.

Citation:

Afghanistan Analysts Network. (2023). Afghanistan-Religion-Islam-Eid. Retrieved from Afghanistan Analysts Network: https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/context-culture/aan-wishes-our-readers-friends-and-all-afghans-a-very-happy-eid-al-adha/attachment/afghanistan-religion-islam-eid/

Evason, N. (2019). Afghan Culture. Retrieved from Cultural Atlas: https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/afghan-culture/afghan-culture-religion#afghan-culture-religion

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The Damask Rose is the national flower of Afghanistan and holds a profoundly significant place in the country’s cultural heritage (Conservancy, n.d.). Valued for centuries, it has been an essential part of religious practices and traditions, with its fragrance becoming an iconic symbol of Afghan culture (Conservancy, n.d.). Beyond its symbolic and spiritual value, the Damask Rose is used in numerous cuisines. After pollination, the rose produces rose hip, rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and valued for its flavour (Conservancy, n.d.).  The rose hips are used in various dishes to add nutritional value and flavour to traditional Afghan dishes.

Citation:

AFP. (2018). Afghan farmers smell sweet success choosing roses over poppy. Retrieved from Salaam Times: https://afghanistan.asia-news.com/en_GB/articles/cnmi_st/features/2018/09/04/feature-02

Conservancy, W. S. (n.d.). Afghanistan. Retrieved from World Sensorium/ Conservancy: https://worldsensorium.com/afghanistan/#:~:text=The%20iconic%20status%20of%20the,times%2C%20primarily%20for%20rose%20water.

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According to Domain 1.2 on culturally responsive communication, effective communication is crucial when caring for patients from migrant and refugee backgrounds, particularly in navigating language barriers and cultural norms around modesty (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2019). Having learnt about these challenges, I now realise the importance of clear and respectful communication in my future career (Hampton, 2014). In the future, I plan to use straightforward language, engage interpreters when necessary, and observe non-verbal cues. I’ve learned that in Afghan culture, It is rude to turn your back on others, and this is something I plan to be mindful of when providing care  (Arizona Department of Health Services).

Citations:

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Hea. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

Arizona Department of Health Services. (n.d.). Community Profile: Afghan. Arizona Department of Health Services.

Hampton, M. (2014). Reflective Practice Writing Guide. Retrieved from Australian Libary and Information Association: https://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/4119641/mod_resource/content/1/reflective%20writing%20phrases.pdf