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Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice in the context of Afghan culture

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Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice in the context of Afghan culture

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The Domain 1.1 'Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice' framework highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of social considerations and culture while providing care. (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019, p. 12). For instance, we should understand that Afghan culture is all about modesty and ensuring privacy during medical procedures, especially for women. After researching, I can see the need for me to use respectful ways of communication and involve family members in the decisions I will make during care, which aligns with the practice of Afghan culture.

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. 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 impact of social inclusion and non-discrimination

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The impact of social inclusion and non-discrimination

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Social inclusion and non-discrimination are critical determinants of health for Afghan refugees in Australia. Some studies show that social inculsion can actually lead to less morbidity and increased life expectancy(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). getting more people to be socially involved can also help build a supportive network, leading to more access to health care. (WHO, 2024). On the other hand, discrimination can lead to depression, social isolation and anxiety which has a negative impact on health(collins,2003). Healthcare workers must promote social inclusion to ensure Afghan refugees feel involved.

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

Collins, H. (2003). Discrimination, Equality and Social Inclusion. Modern Law Review, 66(1), 16–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2230.6601002

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Social determinants of health

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

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Traditional medicine plays a significant role in Afghan culture. The use of "Gul-e-Baboona" (Chamomile) is a very notable and highly valued traditional practice. Chamomile, also known as gul-e-baboona in Urdu, is a member of the daisy family(Food science, 2010). It is used to treat a varied number of ailments, including digestive issues, anxiety, and skin irritation (Amini & Hamdam, 2017). The preparation of it is typically done as an infusion or a tea, consumed to reduce stress or improve sleep quality(Wikipedia, 2020). The effects of chamomile are also gentle, and it is a natural approach to healing that aligns with the cultural preference for natural remedies over pharmaceutical treatments.

Amini, M. H., & Hamdam, S. M. (2017). Medicinal plants used traditionally in Guldara district of Kabul, Afghanistan.

International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Chinese Medicine, 1(3), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.23880/ipcm-16000118

Chamomile. (2020, April 24). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamomile

Food science: C for chamomile. (2010, August 3). Dawn. https://www.dawn.com/news/882522/food-science-c-for-chamomile

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Dance is a vibrant expression of Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage. The national dance of Afghanistan, attan, is often performed during weddings and social gatherings(Wikipedia, 2023). The dancers form a large circle while clapping their hands and moving their feet to the rhythm of the music, and the pace of the dance continuously increases, meaning you either match the group or leave the dance floor. The attan is not only a test of endurance but also a communal activity that promotes unity and cultural expression among participants (McCaslin, 2006). Instruments such as rubab, tabla, and daira, are vital parts of this performance(Harris, 2023).

McCaslin, N. (2006). Instruments + dance + folklore + tradition = Afghan music!(Culture overview). In Faces (Peterborough, N.H.) (Vol. 22, Number 7, pp. 30-). Cricket Media.

Attan. (2023, November 2). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attan

Harris, C. (2023, April 8). Attan Dance: History, Styles, Attires, Music & More. City Dance Studios. https://citydance.org/attan-dance-history-styles-attires-music-more/

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Traditional Afghan food and its cultural significance

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Traditional Afghan food and its cultural significance

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‘Shorwa’ is a traditional Afghan soup that holds great cultural values. It is rich and hearty, Often slow-cooked to bring out the best flavors, and then mix the pieces of naan bread in it and eat straight with their hand(humaira, 2012).

INGREDIENTS: Lamb or beef (cubed), potatoes (diced), tomatoes (chopped), chickpeas, onions (sliced), garlic, turmeric, cilantro, salt, and pepper (Afghan Delicious Soup, 2021).

PREPARATION

In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.

Add lamb or beef and cook until browned. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until meat is tender.

Add potatoes and chickpeas. Cook until vegetables are soft(Social Determinants of Health, 2024).

humaira. (The afghan soup, 2021).

Afghan Culture Unveiled. https://www.afghancultureunveiled.com/humaira-ghilzai/afghancooking/2012/02/afghan-beef-and-bean-soup-shorwa-e.html

Shorwa (Afghan delicious soup). (2021, April 22). Afghan Yummy Food. https://www.afghanyummyfood.com/shorwa/

Shorwa- The Afghan Soup. (2021, February 11). Afghan Cooks. https://afghancooks.com/shorwa-the-afghan-soup/

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Health concerns in Afghan refugees and treatment options

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Health concerns in Afghan refugees and treatment options

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Refugees from Afghanistan who arrive in Australia are present with numerous health concerns, including mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)(Tomasi et al., 2022). This generally happens due to living in a condition of war, losing someone, or getting displaced(WHO, 2021). A common treatment for PTSD includes psychological therapies that are culture-driven, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is important that we involve interpreters and professionals who are culturally appropriate to ensure effective communication and care (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2024)

Australian Refugee Health Guide. (2024). Mental health. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Tomasi, A.-M., Slewa-Younan, S., Narchal, R., & Rioseco, P. (2022, July). Understanding the mental health and help-seeking behaviours of refugees. Aifs.gov.au. https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/understanding-mental-health-and-help-seeking-behaviours-refugees

Mental health and forced displacement. (2021, August 31). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-and-forced-displacement

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Islam is the most common religion in Afghanistan, where it plays a significant role in society. Approximately 99 percent of Afghans identify as Muslims, with the majority practicing Sunni Islam and the minority practicing Shia Islam(Wikipedia, 2020). Islamic values impact community customs, family dynamics, and societal conventions in daily life(The Largest Religions in Afghanistan, 2016) . Afghan life is deeply rooted in customs, including daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and attending mosques(Evason, 2019). Keeping up religious rituals helps Afghan refugees feel at home and continue in their new lives. In order to provide culturally sensitive care and acknowledge the significance of religion in their patients' lives, healthcare professionals should honor these customs.

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

Religion in Afghanistan. (2020, July 1). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Afghanistan

The Largest Religions in Afghanistan. (2016, September 14). WorldAtlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/religious-rights-and-freedoms-in-afghanistan.html