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Afghan culture is heavily centred around religion and has changed considerably over decades, depending on the leadership at the time.  Afghanistan has recently faced many economic, social and political difficulties, including several recent governments' legitimacy (Nancy Hatch Dupree & Dupree, 2019). In the 1960s, Afghani culture held more liberal and Western-influenced values. This included women having the option to wear a veil, access to education, including university, and the ability to work.

However, in 1996, the Taliban took political control and subsequently enforced many Islamic rules that impeded the rights of women. This included strict dress codes and women being unable to go to school or work.  Men also must follow a strict cultural Islamic regime. For example, men must grow beards, and it is considered unfaithful to remove them (Issued by the Australian National Imams Council, 2021).

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Religion has and continues to play a vital role in Afghani culture, with Islam being the main religion practised. There are two main types of is practiced in Afghanistan, Sunni and Shi’a. Ethnicity generally determines what type of religion Afghanistan will practice. (Evans, 2019). People who practice the Shi’a religion are often discriminated against, particularly after the Taliban came in; they persecuted many people from the minority religion and even attacked places of worship. Religious freedom is also a big issue in Afghanistan, and many people flee the country to protect themselves or their families.  How people dress in Afghanistan is also heavily influenced by religion. All Afghan people are expected to dress modestly, and women are required to cover their heads and faces and wear long robes that cover their entire body, including their arms, to not be recognised, but this is dependent on whether they are out in public or not.(Foroutan, 2024 pg. 112, 2021)

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In Afghanistan, the Afghani people use a wide range of plant-based medicines to treat a range of health problems. Many people in Afghanistan will opt for herbal remedies, otherwise known as “Unani medication” (Amini & Hamdam,2017), as it is considered a safe, cheap and accessible option rather than synthetic medication. used as medication are:

Amaranthus retroflexus L. Traditinally named Taj khorosak. This plant was introduced into Afghanistan, and it is used to treat upper respiratory disease and even Tonsilitis.

Brassica hirta Moench, commonly called Awri, was first used in Chinese medicine, and it found its way to Afghanistan. Locals use the plant to treat localised body pain and to treat minor wounds.

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Having a non-discriminatory and inclusive approach is extremely important to help refugees find a sense of self. By empowering communities through access to social services, including healthcare, it allows individuals to feel confident and accepted into their new life (UNHCR, 2024.pg. 1).

Refugees from Afghanistan face many cultural challenges when coming to Australia, including access to public services, housing, language barriers and virtually every aspect of everyday living. The Commonwealth and State governments have many programs in place to support refugees in order to give them the best opportunity for a new start and to build a fulfilling life and future in Australia (UNHCR, 2024.pg.3 ).

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Common health issues for Afghani refugees 

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Common health issues for Afghani refugees 

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Refugees are a diverse group of individuals, and many will arrive in Australia with a range of health needs/ complications. According to the BMC public health research Article, many Afghani refugees are arriving in Australia with a few health problems, both physical and mental. Some of the main mental health problems that were most prevalent amongst Afghani refugees include Anxiety, depression and PTSD (Sanati Pour et al., 2014, pg.3, 2014), and that is due to the stress of being re-located into a foreign country and being displaced from family members and friends. The mental challenges that refugees and asylum seekers face can lead to lifelong health complications.  Physical health problems that were also seen in Afghani refugees include Dyslipidaemia which is due to a lack of nutritional foods during their long journey into the country and because traditional Afghani foods are higher in fat. (Sanati Pour et al. BMC Public Health, pg.5, 2014) Afghani refugees were also presenting with viral and

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Refugees and asylum seekers come from broad and diverse cultural backgrounds, and it is vital for effective health care to ensure that individuals are not treated differently because of their backgrounds.

For me, it is important not to assume that people can speak and read English when providing health care to them. It is equally important not to assume that religious beliefs or cultural norms would not impact the type of care or how it is provided to a patient (or with their family) and should always be a consideration.

I endeavour to apply this domain in a clinical setting by asking questions and getting to know my patients so they feel comfortable allowing me to treat them. I wouldn’t assume they are happy with me doing or saying anything to them without clarifying their expectations and ensuring I respect their culture, and not being naive to their personal circumstances and wishes. (Migrant & Refugees woman’s health partnership, Pg, 12)

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Afghani music is different to the type of music we Australians would be accustomed to hearing; Afghani music traditionally resembles a mixture of Indian and Persian music. (Dupree & Nancy Hatch Dupree, 2019). Music has always been a good way to bring Afghani people together. The music would be played at weddings, social gatherings and even in public to invite public dancing. However, Since the Taliban has taken over, all forms of music have been banned, so it is now against the law to listen, dance to and even watch musical performances (Tarin,2024). The ban on music has not only disrupted the lives of Afghani people, it has also significantly affected musicians and performers who are now unable to express their talents for everyone else to enjoy.