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Traditional Medicine Practiced by Afghani Culture (Kabul)

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Traditional Medicine Practiced by Afghani Culture (Kabul)

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Phototherapy which is usage of plants and herbs as medicine to treat various diseases is a common practice in Afghanistan. It treats multiple parasitic diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, amoebiasis, ascariasis, etc. The medicinal plants are commonly used by traditional practitioners(TP). They are trusted by people as they are highly efficient in treating diseases, easily available at low cost and have no side effects.TP prepares different parts such as roots, bark, raisins, fruits, herbs, etc and are adjusted according to the patient and severity of the disease. Some examples of medicinal plants are N. sativa, C. pepo, and L. usitatissimum (Ayoubi et al., 2024).

Ayoubi, R., et al., (2024, June 6). Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Common Parasitic Diseases by Traditional Practitioners in Kabul City, Afghanistan. Traditional Medicine | Journal of Traditional Medicine. https://www.traditionalmedicines.org/articles/https:www_traditionalmedicines_orgarticlesmedicinal-plants-used-for-the-treatment-of-common-parasitic-diseases-by-traditional-practitioners-in-kabul-city-afghanistan_pdf.pdf

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Social inclusion and non-discrimination are vital social determinants required for the overall health and well-being of Afghan refugees in Australia, as when people are provided with equal access to education, employment and healthcare, their mental and physical health thrives. In contrast, if they face discrimination and exclusion it can take a serious toll on their health and cause poor health outcomes such as anxiety, depression and chronic stress that can hinder resettlement. The Afghan-Australians need to be supported through culturally sensitive services which need to be curated for their specific needs for their psychological and mental health.(Rezaei et al., 2021)

Social determinants of health. (2019, May 30). World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Rezaei, O., Adibi, H., & Banham, V. (2021). Integration experiences of former Afghan refugees in Australia: What challenges have still remained after being citizens? Edith Cowan University. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=12252&context=ecuworkspost2013

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The social determinants of health (SDH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. These forces and systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies and political systems.

The SDH have an important influence on health inequities - the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries. In countries at all levels of income, health and illness follow a social gradient: the lower the socioeconomic position, the worse the health.

The following list provides examples of the social determinants of health, which can influence health equity in positive and negative ways:

Income and social protection

Education

Unemployment and job insecurity

Working life conditions

Food insecurity

Housing, basic amenities and the environment

Early childhood development

Social inclusion and non-discrimination

Structural conflict

Access to affordable health services of decent quality.

Research shows that the social determinants can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health. For example, numerous studies suggest that SDH account for between 30-55% of health outcomes. In addition, estimates show that the contribution of sectors outside health to population health outcomes exceeds the contribution from the health sector.

Addressing SDH appropriately is fundamental for improving health and reducing longstanding inequities in health, which requires action by all sectors and civil society.

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WHO's work on social determinants of health

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Focussing on Domain 1, Standard 2.1, which centres on culturally safe communication and discussing potential outcomes of a procedure before obtaining consent. I will ensure that I communicate in a respectful manner that acknowledges their culture and beliefs. I will also ensure that they fully comprehend every aspect of the procedure and understand all the possible risks and benefits. If language barriers exist, I will arrange for an interpreter and utilize nonverbal cues to enhance understanding and make the overall care more effective and pleasant for them.

Migrant and Refugee Women's Health Partnership. (2019, January). 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

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Easidose. (2013). Picture based prescribing by Easidose. https://www.easidose.com

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A common health issue faced by Afghan refugees is vitamin D deficiency which could lead to poor bone and muscle health. Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D and its synthesis can vary from person to person depending upon their skin colour ("Immigrant health service : Low vitamin D," 2020). This is very common in Afghani refugees as they wear covered clothing and there is very little exposure to sunlight. According to the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, treatment for this can be supplements ( dosage depends upon the severity of deficiency) and safe exposure to sunlight. People can also use easidose which helps addressing language and cultural barriers using colour coding and pictures for medications and their doses.

Immigrant health service : Low vitamin D. (2020). The Royal Children's Hospital : The Royal Children's Hospital. https://www.rch.org.au/immigranthealth/clinical/Low_Vitamin_D/

Paxton, G., & Singleton, G. (2020). Low vitamin D » Australian refugee health. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/low-vitamin-d/

Easidose. (2013). Picture based prescribing by Easidose. https://www.easidose.com

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Mosque | Parts, features, architecture, & information. (1998, July 20). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/mosque

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In Afghanistan, the majority religion is Islam, which is divided into two main sects: Shia and Sunni. Sunnis constitute the majority of the population. Open criticism of Islam or Sunnis is unlikely to occur (Wilber, 1952, p. 41). Women in Afghanistan often wear veils and tend to stay indoors. Daily activities come to a halt during prayer times. The sale, manufacturing, and purchase of alcohol are prohibited. The religious leaders (mullahs) oppose secular schools as they believe that such schools would undermine religious faith, so they advocate for religious schools.

Wilber, D. N. (1952). THE STRUCTURE AND POSITION OF ISLAM IN AFGHANISTAN. Middle East Journal, 6(1), 41-48. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4322355

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Afghani people have a great range of food which is flavourful and zesty. Some examples are korma, kabuli pulaw, kofta, baklava, firni, etc. My personal favourite is the afghani lamb kebab. A recipe for the same is:-

Ingredients

lemon juice

yogurt

garlic

boneless lamb

salt and pepper

vegetable oil

2 naan

marinate the lamb with lemon juice, yogurt, garlic, salt, pepper and oil and leave it overnight. Thread the meat to the skewers and grill over charcoal for 15-20 minutes. Remove the lamb from the skewers and serve with bread with sprinkled salt and pepper. Garnish with tomato, onion and lime juice.

Afghan lamb kebab (Sikh kebab or tikka kebab). (2013, May 8). Afghan Kitchen Recipes. https://www.afghankitchenrecipes.com/recipe/afghan-lamb-kebab-sikh-kebab-or-tikka-kebab/

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The Rabab, also known as the rubab or robab, is the national musical instrument of Afghanistan. It is also played in parts of India and Pakistan. The instrument is stringed, with 3 melody strings and 15 sympathy strings. It is made out of mulberry. The Rabab is used in klasik, the folk music of Afghanistan, which has roots in the northern part of India. It is often played alongside instruments such as the dutar, sitar, and drum, and is used to perform different rags and ghazals. The Rabab is considered the predecessor of the Indian sarod(Sakata, 2012).

Sakata, H. L. (2012). Music in Afghanistan. Association for Asian Studies. https://www.asianstudies.org/wp-content/uploads/music-in-afghanistan.pdf

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR9ylr1s6cM

Rubab (instrument). (2024, August 26). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved August 27, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubab_(instrument)