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For the Afghan people, doctors are highly respected. However, due to economic hardships or living in remote areas, many Afghans turn to prayers for health or use traditional herbal medicines. This practice also influences their preference for seeking medical care, especially among the elderly Afghan population (Abbato, 2011).

Older Afghan Australians also have a strong preference for same-gender care when it comes to personal care (Abbato, 2011).

Abbato, S. (2011). Community profiles for health care providers (pp. 5–7). Queensland Health. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/158601/profiles-part-1.pdf

McDermott, S. (2020). Belief [Photograph]. Speculative faith. https://speculativefaith.lorehaven.com/the-burden-of-belief/

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(Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019)

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Reflection on Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds

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Reflection on Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds

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In Domain 1.2, it emphasises the importance of always providing trauma-informed care when interacting with refugee patients, while acknowledging the past experiences of refugees (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). For me, the most important aspect is to focus on the mental health and behaviour of refugee patients when providing care. By adjusting the approach to care and offering trauma-informed care, I must ensure that refugees feel safe and understood.

Through analysing this section, I now understand the need for caution when caring for refugees, especially when their experiences are unclear. For instance, avoid mentioning their family, provide same-gender care whenever possible, and seek the assistance of translators when facing language barriers. This understanding is crucial for delivering appropriate care to refugees, building their trust in the Australian medical team, and leading to better health outcomes (Australia Library and Information Association, n.d.).

Australian Library and Information Association. (n.d.). Reflective practice writing guide vocabulary aid. https://www.alia.org.au/common/Uploaded%20files/ALIA-Docs/Reflective-Practice-Vocabulary.pdf

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds [Screenshot]. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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(The American School of Benguerir, n.d.)

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The World Health Organization (2024) highlights "social inclusion and non-discrimination" as key social determinants of health. These ensure equal access to employment, education, participation, and self-expression, regardless of one’s background. Such inclusion is crucial for both physical and psychological well-being, reducing the risk of mental illness (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024).

Based on the aspects of work, education, participation, and having a voice previously mentioned, Australia offers the Adult Migrant English Program (Department of Home Affairs, 2019). This free, face-to-face English learning opportunity not only supports new immigrants in improving their language skills but also helps them begin building their social networks. Furthermore, Australia provides 10 free translation services for new immigrants or refugees, assisting them with issues related to education, employment, medical care, and essential documentation(Australia Government Department of Home Affairs, n.d.). This information highlights Australia’s strong social inclusivity and non-discrimination toward refugees and Afghan refugees.

Australia Government Department of Home Affairs. (2024, August 14). About the adult migrant english program (AMEP). https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/amep/about-the-program

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Social determinants of health. Australian Government. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-of-health

The American School of Benguerir. (n.d.). Non-discrimination policy [Screenshot]. https://asb.ac.ma/non-discrimmination-policy/

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

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Common health issues among Afghan refugees

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Common health issues among Afghan refugees

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The top three self-reported health conditions among Afghan refugees and those who have entered Australia through humanitarian pathways are diabetes, mental health issues, and arthritis. Notably, the prevalence of these conditions is two to three times higher in women than in men (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023). Due to cultural beliefs, mental health issues may not be recognized as illnesses by many Afghan people, leading to potential underreporting (Abbato, 2011).

Singleton et al. (n.d.) emphasize that mental health should be assessed during the initial health screening of refugees, with a focus on suicide risk. It’s also important to avoid delving into specific trauma details to prevent further harm.

Abbato, S. (2011). Community Profiles for Health Care Providers (pp. 5–7). Queensland Health. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/158601/profiles-part-1.pdf

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023, November 3). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia, Long-term health conditions. Australian Government. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants/contents/case-study-humanitarian-entrants-born-in-afghanist/long-term-health-conditions

Ray, J., & Georges Mehanna, J. (2024). Global study issues wake-up call for women’s health [Image]. Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/547712/global-study-issues-wake-call-women-health.aspx

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

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Traditional Afghan clothing is often made up of more than two colors, giving it a vibrant and colorful appearance. Perhaps due to religious beliefs, all dresses are ankle-length, with sleeves extending past the wrists, creating a look that is both elegant and comfortable.

In Afghanistan, traditional dresses are called "Afghan Libas" or "Afghan Perahan" in their language. These garments are closely linked to their history, dating back to the early days of the Silk Road entering their country. Afghan clothing comes in a wide variety of styles, with options available for everyone, from royalty to ordinary citizens (Assel Foundation, n.d.).

Assel Foundation. (n.d.). Afghan dress: Embrace the elegance of afghan culture. https://aseelapp.org/afghan-dress/

Assel Foundation. (n.d.). Afghan dress: Embrace the elegance of afghan culture [Image]. https://aseelapp.org/afghan-dress/

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Afghan cuisine, while influenced by neighbouring countries, retains its unique characteristics. With over 20 ethnic minorities, Afghanistan’s diverse cultural background significantly impacts its culinary traditions. Rice is a staple food for Afghans, though their dishes are generally not spicy, despite a fondness for heat. They use unique spices, such as "char masala," in their cooking. The national dish, "kabuli pulao," is a flavoursome mix of rice, carrots, raisins, and lamb. Qurut is also considered a delicacy among Afghan people. It is a small, white lump obtained by separating the moisture from yoghurt. It is also used in traditional Afghan pizza (Mirriam Seddiq, 2022).

Drzazgowski, A. (2024). Kabuli pulao (spiced lamb pilaf) from afghanistan [Image]. The Foreign Fork. https://foreignfork.com/kabuli-pulao/

Mirriam Seddiq. (2022). Afghan food: What is Afghan cuisine? Afghan Cooks. https://afghancooks.com/afghan-food/#2-afghans-love-rice

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Islam is the religion of 99.7% of the Afghan population, influencing and guiding nearly every aspect of their daily lives. When interacting with Afghans, it is important to respect their customs. For example, always offer items with both hands and avoid using the left hand to touch food or people. Physical contact with the opposite sex is not permitted. When conversing with both men and women in the same room, the door should remain open. Always seek permission before taking photos, especially of women. Afghan women traditionally cover all but their hands, feet, and face, so when caring for Afghan women, extra attention should be given to preserving their privacy and dignity (Evason, 2019).

Evason, N. (2019). Afghan culture etiquette. Cultural Atlas. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/afghan-culture/afghan-culture-etiquette

Milner, N. (2018). Shaking hands is disgusting here’s what else you can do [Image]. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/shaking-hands-is-disgusting-heres-what-else-you-can-do-98097