Assignment 2 by

Music

prajwalphuyal186 — 2024-08-28 06:27:17 UTC

Since the 1980s, Afghanistan has faced war, leading to the suppression of music (Wikipedia Contributors, 2019). During the 1990s, the Taliban banned instrumental music and public performances. Many musicians moved to cities like Peshawar and Karachi, where Afghan music distribution continued(Wikipedia Contributors, 2019). Kabul remains a cultural hub, with Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif known for the Qataghani style(Nancy Hatch Dupree & Dupree, 2019). Lyrics are typically in Dari-Persian and Pashto, with other languages also popular(Wikipedia Contributors, 2019). Afghans enjoy folk music, ballads, and the Attan dance, using traditional instruments like the rubab, tabla, and harmonium(Nancy Hatch Dupree & Dupree, 2019).

Wikipedia Contributors. (2019, November 18). Culture of Afghanistan. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Afghanistan

Nancy Hatch Dupree, & Dupree, L. (2019). Afghanistan - Daily life and social customs. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Afghanistan/Daily-life-and-social-customs

Clothing

prajwalphuyal186 — 2024-08-28 06:27:28 UTC

Afghani clothing is deeply rooted in tradition and varies by region(Qazi, 2018). Women typically wear a dress with loose-fitting pants called a tunbaan, paired with a chador or hijab to cover their hair(Qazi, 2018). While the burqa was mandatory during Taliban rule, some women still wear it for safety(Qazi, 2018). Women's formal dresses often feature intricate embroidery and mirrors, with each region having its own style. Men traditionally wear a peraahan tunbaan (shirt and pants) with a lungee (turban) or regional hats like the karakul(Qazi, 2018). Though western clothing is increasingly popular in cities, traditional attire remains essential for special occasions like weddings and holidays.

Qazi, A. (2018, March 13). Traditional Afghan Clothes. Afghanistan Online. https://www.afghan-web.com/culture/clothes/

CUISINE

prajwalphuyal186 — 2024-08-28 06:27:33 UTC

Afghanistan’s cuisine, influenced by neighboring regions like India, Persia, and Mongolia, is a unique blend of flavours(Wikipedia Contributors, 2019a). Indian spices such as chilis and saffron, Persian coriander and mint, and Mongolian dumplings shape Afghan dishes(Wikipedia Contributors, 2019a). Fatty foods, vital in the cold winters, and mutton fat are staples. Afghans prefer mildly spiced meals, with yogurt frequently used as an accompaniment(Wikipedia Contributors, 2019a). Lamb and chicken kebabs are popular street foods, while the national dish, Kabuli Pulao, features slow-cooked meat with seasoned rice, lentils, and nuts(Wikipedia Contributors, 2019a). Traditional dining involves a “dastarkhan,” where meals are eaten with the right hand using bread as a scoop, and tea is a sign of hospitality.

Wikipedia Contributors. (2019a, May 12). Afghan cuisine. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_cuisine

Health Beliefs

prajwalphuyal186 — 2024-08-28 06:27:38 UTC

Afghans believe in preserving health through adherence to Islamic principles, emphasizing personal hygiene, regular exercise, a balanced diet, staying warm, and getting enough rest(Health, n.d.). Traditional causes of illness include an imbalance of hot and cold forces, deviation from Islamic teachings, possession by jinn (evil spirits), the evil eye, or witchcraft(Health, n.d.). Prayer plays a crucial role in healing, and doctors are highly respected(Health, n.d.). Due to financial hardship and limited healthcare services, especially in rural areas, many rely on medicinal herbs(Harsch et al., 2020). Older Afghan Australians may prefer traditional treatments(Health, n.d.). Cultural and religious rituals, particularly at birth and death, are vital, with a strong cultural stigma surrounding mental illness, especially in men.

(Harsch et al., 2020). Afghan Australians. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/156398/afghan2011.pdf

Harsch, S., Jawid, A., Jawid, M. E., Saboga Nunes, L., Sahrai, D., & Bittlingmayer, U. H. (2020). The relationship of health literacy, wellbeing and religious beliefs in neglected and unequal contexts—Results of a survey study in central Afghanistan. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 32(S1), 80–87. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.419

Social determinants

prajwalphuyal186 — 2024-08-28 07:50:02 UTC

Social inclusion and non-discrimination are critical WHO social determinants that significantly influence the health outcomes of Afghan refugees in Australia(Taylor & Lamaro Haintz, 2018). These factors are crucial in addressing the unique barriers faced by refugees, such as linguistic challenges, cultural differences, and limited access to healthcare(Hadgkiss & Renzaho, 2014). Social inclusion fosters better integration into the community, enhancing access to healthcare services, mental health support, and economic stability(Taylor & Lamaro Haintz, 2018). Non-discrimination ensures equal treatment within healthcare systems, preventing care quality and access disparities(Braveman, 2023).

Taylor, J., & Lamaro Haintz, G. (2018). Influence of the social determinants of health on access to healthcare services among refugees in Australia. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 24(1), 14–28. https://doi.org/10.1071/py16147

Hadgkiss, E. J., & Renzaho, A. M. N. (2014). The physical health status, service utilisation and barriers to accessing care for asylum seekers residing in the community: a systematic review of the literature. Australian Health Review, 38(2), 142. https://doi.org/10.1071/ah13113

Braveman, Paula, 'Racism Damages Health Through Many Causal Pathways', The Social Determinants of Health and Health Disparities (New York, 2023; online edn, Oxford Academic, 23 Feb. 2023), https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190624118.003.0005, accessed 28 Aug. 2024.

Common health problems

prajwalphuyal186 — 2024-08-28 08:35:48 UTC

Pharmacy is the first level of contact among health care, research shows that refugees face problems accessing that(Bellamy et al., 2015). According to AIHW the prevalence of arthritis among female Afghan humanitarian entrants is notably higher compared to their male counterparts, with an age-standardized rate nearly three times that of males. This trend is consistent with the broader Australian population, where arthritis is generally more common among females, but the disparity is more pronounced in the Afghan refugee group. Additionally, other long-term health conditions such as lung disease, chronic kidney disease, asthma, and diabetes are also observed, further emphasising the significant health challenges faced by this population. Treatment for arthritis in female Afghan humanitarian entrants involves comprehensive assessment, culturally sensitive patient education, and a combination of pharmacological (e.g., NSAIDs, DMARDs) and non-pharmacological approaches (e.g., physiotherapy, exercise). Based on Australian refugee health guide we need to check if they are eligible for SRRS program and have to take a consideration of interpreter.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants

Bellamy, K., Ostini, R., Martini, N., & Kairuz, T. (2015). Access to medication and pharmacy services for resettled refugees: a systematic review. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 21(3), 273. https://doi.org/10.1071/py14121

Reflection

prajwalphuyal186 — 2024-08-28 08:52:57 UTC

As an international student in Australia, I have encountered a range of cultural perspectives that highlighted my own assumptions. I have come to understand the "critical importance of clinicians responding sensitively and without assumptions to the diversity of individual characteristics and social determinants of health" (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). This involves acknowledging differences in culture, religion, language, and health beliefs (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). Initially, I was unsure how to handle these complexities in clinical practice. However, adapting my approach to these diverse factors revealed the importance of personalized care (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). This experience reinforced the need for cultural competence and the role of empathy in building trust and effective communication, skills that I will continue to develop and also I have decided to make more friends and engage in more university activity to make myself familiar with different 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