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Music is integral to Afghani culture, featuring traditional instruments like the rubab and tabla and often reflecting love, resistance, and spirituality themes. (Bailey, J., 2023) It provides emotional expression, stress relief, and therapeutic benefits such as anxiety reduction and social connection. (Gold, Saarikallio, & McFerran, 2018) However, in healthcare settings, its use must be approached with sensitivity. Some conservative Afghans might find music inappropriate during illness or mourning. Nurses should consider alternatives like nature sounds or Quranic recitations to promote relaxation. Traditional music remains crucial for mental well-being in refugee contexts, offering comfort and a sense of identity. Understanding these practices helps in providing culturally sensitive care.

References:

1. Bailey, J. (2023). Music and refugee lives: Afghans in eastern Iran and California. Forced Migration Review. Retrieved from https://www.fmreview.org/baily/

2. Gold, C., Saarikallio, S. H., & McFerran, K. (2018). Music therapy. In R. J. R. Levesque (Ed.), Encyclopedia of adolescence (pp. 1-7). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33228-4_203

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Traditional Afghani cuisine features rich flavours and diverse ingredients, with staples like rice, bread, meat, and vegetables. Popular dishes such as Kabuli Pulao and Kebab provide a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables. However, a high intake of meat and refined carbs can lead to health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Adapting these dietary habits in Australia requires focusing on balanced nutrition while honouring cultural preferences. Influenced by cultural, geographic and religious traditions, Afghani dietary practices involve grains, dried fruits, meat (especially lamb and chicken), and dairy. Awareness of these practices, including fasting during Ramadan, helps nurses offer better nutritional advice and care (culinarybite.com)

Reference:

1. Unveiling the Culinary Treasures of Afghanistan: Authentic Afghan Recipes Revealed (culinarybite.com)

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TraumaAndDissociation. (n.d.). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is caused by Trauma: it can affect anyone traumatized, regardless of their personality. Past trauma makes PTSD more likely [Photograph]. Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/oYF3jw

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Blog 4: Health Issues and Treatment for Afghani Refugees: Insights from the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide

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Blog 4: Health Issues and Treatment for Afghani Refugees: Insights from the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide

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Upon arrival in Australia, Afghani refugees often face significant health challenges, including mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their experiences of conflict and displacement (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2020). PTSD can manifest through symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional numbness. The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide recommends trauma-informed care as a practical treatment approach (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2020). This involves creating a safe and supportive environment for therapy, acknowledging the impact of trauma, and integrating culturally sensitive practices to address the mental health needs of refugees.

Reference:

1. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2020). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide: Managing Health Issues in Refugees. Retrieved from Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide

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Tinette. (2006, July 11). Symbol of Islam, white and golden version [Image]. Italian Wikipedia. GNU Free Documentation License.

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Blog 5: The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Health and Healing in Afghani Culture

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Blog 5: The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Health and Healing in Afghani Culture

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Religion and spirituality are central to health and healing within Afghani culture. Islamic practices, such as daily prayers (Salah) and recitations from the Quran, are believed to offer spiritual comfort and promote healing (Ahmed, 2020). Fasting during Ramadan is considered beneficial for both physical and spiritual health. Additionally, seeking blessings from religious leaders and using spiritual remedies are standard practices that reflect a deep connection between faith and health. (Ali et al., 2018) Healthcare providers must recognize these practices to deliver culturally respectful care that aligns with patients' spiritual needs.

References:

1. Ali, M., M.Nor, N., Mamat, N., Mohd Shukri, N. A., & Bakar, W. A. (2018). Fasting in Islam: A Combination of Spiritual Elevation and Prevention of Diseases. IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.31436/imjm.v17i2.955

2. Alsuwaidi, A. R., Hammad, H. A. A. K., Elbarazi, I., & Sheek-Hussein, M. (2023). Vaccine hesitancy within the Muslim community: Islamic faith and public health perspectives. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2023.2190716

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For me, Domain 1: Clinical Expert emphasizes the importance of delivering expert care while honoring cultural differences (Working Group of the Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019), with Competency Standard 1.1 focusing on tailoring care to meet diverse needs. For Afghani patients, this includes responding sensitively without assumptions. I recognize the need to understand and respect diverse cultural health beliefs, linguistic considerations, and individual abilities and choices. I strive to approach each patient with an open mind, actively listening to their perspectives on health. I aim to provide more holistic and effective care by integrating cultural insights into assessments and care plans.

References:

1.  Working Group of the Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds: Competency standards framework for clinicians January 2019. Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. Retrieved from https://cbrhl.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Culturally-responsive-clinica.pdf¹.

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Blog 3:  Social inclusion and non-discrimination for Afghan refugees.

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Blog 3:  Social inclusion and non-discrimination for Afghan refugees.

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Social inclusion and non-discrimination are key WHO social determinants of health that significantly impact Afghani refugees in Australia. Ensuring equal access to resources and services helps reduce health disparities (World Health Organization, 2023). Discrimination can heighten stress and social isolation, worsening mental health issues and limiting healthcare access (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2021). Fostering inclusivity and combating discrimination enhances overall well-being and health outcomes by creating a supportive environment where refugees can access necessary services and integration programs (Alemi et al., 2023). Inclusive policies in healthcare settings encourage Afghani refugees to seek medical help, improving their physical health and aiding their integration into the community.

References:

1. Alemi Q, Panter-Brick C, Oriya S, Ahmady M, Alimi AQ, Faiz H, Hakim N, Sami Hashemi SA, Manaly MA, Naseri R, Parwiz K, Sadat SJ, Sharifi MZ, Shinwari Z, Ahmadi SJ, Amin R, Azimi S, Hewad A, Musavi Z, Siddiqi AM, Bragin M, Kashino W, Lavdas M, Miller KE, Missmahl I, Omidian PA, Trani JF, van der Walt SK, Silove D, Ventevogel P. Afghan mental health and psychosocial well-being: thematic review of four decades of research and interventions. BJPsych Open. 2023 Jul 10;9(4):e125. doi: 10.1192/bjo.2023.502. PMID: 37424447; PMCID: PMC10375890.

2.  Australian Human Rights Commission. (2021). The Right to Social Inclusion: Addressing Discrimination and Promoting Equality. Retrieved from Australian Human Rights Commission

3. World Health Organization. (2023). Social Determinants of Health: Key Concepts. Retrieved from WHO Social Determinants

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 Rajesh_India. (2016, April 24). Herbs & Hakim Unani Medicine [Photograph]. Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/GHAgZb

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Blog 1: Health beliefs and traditional medicine.

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Blog 1: Health beliefs and traditional medicine.

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Afghani culture integrates Islamic beliefs with traditional healthcare practices, such as using herbal remedies from around 215 plants under the name of Unani medication and spiritual healing through hakims (traditional healers). (Younos et al., 1987) The concept of "Imaan" (faith) plays a central role, with prayer and Quranic recitations used for healing (Arizona Department of Health Services). Additionally, maintaining a balance between hot and cold elements influences dietary and treatment choices (Schulz et al., 2012). Recognizing these cultural beliefs helps healthcare providers deliver sensitive care that respects patients' values and practices.

References:

1. Arizona Department of Health Services. Community profile: Afghan. Retrieved from https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/disease-integrated-services/refugee-health/providers/community-profile-afghan.pdf

2. Schulz, V., Hansel, R., Tyler, V. E., & Blumenthal, M. (2012). Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine. Springer Science & Business Media.

3. Younos, C., Fleurentin, J., Notter, D., Mazars, G., Mortier, F., & Pelt, J.-M. (1987). Repertory of drugs and medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Afghanistan. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 20(3), 245-290. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(87)90052-3

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hakim traditional medicine in afghanistan