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(WHO) Social Detriments for Afghani migrants to Australia

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(WHO) Social Detriments for Afghani migrants to Australia

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Afghani Migrants face severe social detrimental factors that negatively effect their social perception when migrating to Australia.

Under Taliban rule, Afghani refugees have seen violence, destruction and terror of their home country (Queensland Health, 2011). Due to mainstream media and public perception, This violence has created a stigma against All afghani residents, including migrants trying to leave Afghanistan (Ziersch, Due, & Walsh, 2020).

This  Stereotype has proved detrimental to the inclusivity of Afghani migrants attempting to be a part of an Australian culture and lifestyle, in 2006, the employment rate for migrants was 46%, and the median weekly income for an Afghani family was $234, compared to the average Australian $466 (Queensland Health, 2011).

Queensland Health. (2011)Community profiles for health care providers: Afghan Australians ¹. Queensland Government. Retrieved from https://www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural²

Ziersch, A., Due, C., & Walsh, M. (2020). Discrimination: A health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia ¹ ². BMC Public Health, 20(1), 108. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3

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From my perspective, Domain 1.2 resonated with me. I have grown my understanding of the importance of recognizing traumatic experiences from different cultures, and how cultural trauma must be recognized and accounted for when conducting medical treatment.

Having learned the importance of understanding Trauma symptoms such as PTSD, I have furthered my advancement in person-catered treatment. I will be able to identify signs of stress, and ensure my patient feels safe and comfortable. This knowledge will further grow my ability to create a professional yet compassionate relationship with my patients.

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Mental Health issues regarding Afghani migrants

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Mental Health issues regarding Afghani migrants

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Due to Cultural Trauma and other detrimental factors relating to migration such as violence, persecution and discrimination, Afghani refugees are expected to experience serious mental health issues (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023). In 2021, 6.6% of Afghani migrants self-reported a mental health condition. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).

While therapy and anti-depressants are available to the Australian public, Afghani migrants & Asylum seekers struggle to obtain these treatment options due to social detrimental factors (e.g., income, citizenship). The percentage of Afghani migrants stating to have a mental health plan is extremely low at 3.7% (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023). Promotion of mental health treatment options must be done to benefit the mental status of Afghani refugees.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023)¹. Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/culturally-and-linguistically-diverse-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants-in-australia

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Afghanistan's culture is vast, and contains a variety of methods regarding medical treatment. Homeopathic Remedies and traditional Herbs (hakim) are used to numb pain and provide comfort to sicknesses (Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center, n.d). Many Afghani's believe that the sun is capable of healing, and lying outside allows an individual to absorb the suns healing properties (Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center, n.d).

The Muslim clergy (Mullahs), can perform healing rituals, where they blow the breath of healing during prayer, The Mullahs can also write prayers of healing (ta'wiz) on sheets of paper for the family to sew into clothing. It is common to find ta'wiz around the necks of patients, and children (Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center, n.d).

Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center. (n.d.)¹ Cultural quick reference guide: Afghanistan ². Retrieved from http://go.ufl.edu/cqrg

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Clothing within Afghani culture differs significantly between men and women. Traditional dresses for Afghani woman (Kaalai Afghani) is colorful, unique, and represents intricate embroidery (Sporcle, 2019). Depending on cultural belief within Afghanistan, some woman may be required to wear a burka, covering their face to toe. The Burka represents self-modesty for Afghani woman (ABC News, 2024).

Men's clothing (Perahan Tunban), is less strict on what can be worn in public. usually consisting of waistcoats and knee length dresses. Perahan Tunban can be treated as casual and formal attire. Men are commonly expected to wear turbans, which cover their hair length to the public (Sporcle, 2019).

ABC News. (2024, March 6). House of Gods: Exploring the Hijab and Islam for Muslim Women. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-06/house-of-gods-exploring-hijab-islam-muslim-women/103376332

Sporcle. (2019, September). Where is Afghanistan? Sporcle. https://www.sporcle.com/blog/2019/09/where-is-afghanistan/¹

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Traditional Bolani dish paired with spices and herbs:

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Bolani is a traditional, vegan, stuffed flatbread dish served either by itself or with herbs & spices. Originating from Afghanistan, it is typically either a street food, or it can be found in home meals due to it's ease of baking (Bolani Recipe: How to Make Afghan Stuffed Flatbread, 2024).

Bolani was popularized during the Afghani civil war, due to its ease of preparation and longevity, it was a common dish during wartime for struggling families and militias (Studocu, n.d.). Bolani would be typically served with spices and herbs, to increase its taste and texture. Since the Civil war (1992 - 1996). Bolani has remained a popular dish within the Afghani community. (Studocu, n.d.).

Bolani Recipe: How to Make Afghan Stuffed Flatbread. (2024, March 6). MasterClass. https://emuweavinglife.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/food-of-the-middle-east-bolani-fried-afghan-flatbread/

Studocu. (n.d.). NEW Order - Bolani is among the highly famous Afghan traditional foods, especially in Herat, Kabul, and Balkh provinces. https://www.studocu.com/row/document/university-of-nairobi/eng-creative/new-order-bolani-is-among-the-highly-famous-afghan-traditional-foods-especially-in-herat/67085317

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Islamic religious practices within Afghanistan

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Islamic religious practices within Afghanistan

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Islam is by far the most common religion within Afghanistan, making up 99.7% of the religious population (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.), it has severely influenced laws, practices and cultural beliefs within Afghanistan.

Islam plays a vital role in the customs and day-to-day activates of Afghani citizens. For example, Women are pressured to cover their faces, alcohol is banned, and men are expected to grow beards and keep them well groomed (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). These practices are remnants of The Taliban's rule in Afghanistan.

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Afghanistan: Daily life and social customs. In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Afghanistan/Daily-life-and-social-customs