Afghan Culture by Karen Samson

Health Belief or Traditional Medicine in Afghan Culture

samsonkaren2002_ — 2024-08-27 18:33:48 UTC

Unani medicine as one of the important complementary and traditional practices of the Afghan healthcare system relies on balancing bodily fluids—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. I Practitioners believe that maintaining this balance is essential for good health, achieved through a combination of diet, herbal remedies, and other natural treatments. Generally used herbs are tulsi leaves for any respiratory disorder and ashwagandha for curing stress. This is still practiced even in Afghan modern settings, particularly in the rural areas where conventional healthcare facilities remain scarce; thereby making Unani an important source of care for the Afghan community (Khan et al., 2022).

_Reference_{: Khan, A. A., Janardhanan, R., Kishore, J., Awasthi, A. A., Parveen, S., Saeed, S., Shannawaz, M., & Selvamurthy, W. (2022). Awareness and Utilization of Unani Medicine among the Adult Population from East Delhi: A cross Sectional Survey.}_{Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences}_,₁₄_{(3), 157–161.}_{https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_229_22}

Clinical Expert from the Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework Competency Standard 1.2

samsonkaren2002_ — 2024-08-27 18:38:57 UTC

Reflecting on Competency Standard 1.2, I recognize the profound impact of trauma on Afghan refugees. These demographics’ difficulties before moving; such as exposure to war and displacement are significant predictors of their health. In my nursing career, I will incorporate and ensure the environment provided is safe and conducive which makes patients trust the nurses. I will ensure that I respect communication boundaries and ensure that I offer the patients treatment with consideration to the traumas that they have experienced. These needs have to be met with consideration for Afghan refugees so that they can receive the quality health care that they require for healthy living (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019).

_Reference:_{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}

Impact of Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on Afghan Refugees in Australia

samsonkaren2002_ — 2024-08-27 18:47:14 UTC

Social integration and non-discrimination are some of the components that are essential to the well-being of refugees in Afghanistan in Australia. Effective resettlement or reintegration of refugees into their host societies results in a decrease in some renowned mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. The independent seniors receive support from the community and quality non-discriminatory services hence improving their health. On the other hand, social rejection and prejudice increase stress, widen social isolation and lead to the deterioration of people’s health. Hence, providing such access to clean water, food, shelter, clothing and play areas and making them feel welcome, and accepted is crucial in making the Afghan refugees healthy (Rashki Kemmak et al., 2021).

_Reference_{: Rashki Kemmak, A., Nargesi, S., & Saniee, N. (2021). Social Determinant of Mental Health in Immigrants and Refugees: A Systematic Review.}_{Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran}_,₃₅_(196)._{https://doi.org/10.47176/mjiri.35.196}

Common Health Issues Among Afghan Refugees and Treatment Options

samsonkaren2002_ — 2024-08-27 18:51:44 UTC

Tuberculosis is one of the major health issues among Afghan refugees mainly because many of them lacked adequate health care before relocating to Australia. According to the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, there is a need to assess most refugees and asylum seekers and treat active TB cases as early as possible to stop further transmission of the disease. The cure usually consists of a series of many antibiotics and takes six months, however, nonadherence should be avoided because it leads to the appearance of antibiotic-resistant strains. It is equally important to address the issue or medical condition early enough to enhance the health of the affected persons as well as to prevent any further spread so that the general public is protected from unmanageable outbreaks (Meaza et al., 2022).

_Reference_{: Meaza, A., Tola, H. H., Eshetu, K., Mindaye, T., Medhin, G., & Gumi, B. (2022). Tuberculosis among refugees and migrant populations: Systematic review.}_{PLOS ONE}_,₁₇_{(6), e0268696.}_{https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0268696}

Language and Its Role in Afghan Culture

samsonkaren2002_ — 2024-08-27 18:56:22 UTC

Language is a very important aspect of Afghan people’s lives, and they mainly use Pashto and Dari languages. Essentially, these are some of the ways that help in understanding the languages that are key in the continuance of effective healthcare communication. Cultural differences lead to misunderstandings and in turn, they receive wrong diagnoses and treatment. When arriving Afghan refugees will be engaging in healthcare services; it becomes necessary to offer interpreters in Pashto and Dari to guarantee quality services. Thus, this approach enhances patients’ positive health status and creates more trustful relationships between doctors and Afghan patients and clients (Al Shamsi et al., 2020).

_Reference_{: Al Shamsi, H., Almutairi, A. G., Al Mashrafi, S., & Al Kalbani, T. (2020). Implications of language barriers for healthcare: A systematic review.}_{Oman Medical Journal}_,₃₅_{(2), 1–7.}_{https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2020.40}

Afghan Music and Its Cultural Significance

samsonkaren2002_ — 2024-08-27 18:58:10 UTC

Afghan people have a strong appreciation for music and it is seen as an important way of expressing emotion. Afghan music, especially classical music, which includes instruments like the rubab and tabla is important in communal activities and religious events enhancing the sociocultural lives of people. Apart from the cultural aspect, music therapy helps to relax and build up psychological well-being in society starting from making people happy with music to comforting those traumas such as refugees. Thus, besides comfort, music has a positive impact on the Afghan people, especially migrants and people who had to endure various adversities (Sakata, 2012).

_Reference:_{Sakata, H. L. (2012).}_{Music in Afghanistan}_{. Association for Asian Studies.}_{https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/music-in-afghanistan/}

Afghan Food and Its Role in Health and Community

samsonkaren2002_ — 2024-08-27 18:59:26 UTC

Afghan cuisine, abundant in grains, legumes, and vegetables, provides a balanced diet that promotes health and well-being. Traditional staples such as kabuli pulao and mantu are not only healthy but also a staple in many occasions and gatherings. Afghan home-cooked meals are a comforting daily reminder of one’s roots hence tying food to physiological well-being and cultural preservation (Kavian et al., 2020).

_Reference_{: Kavian, F., Mehta, K., Willis, E., Mwanri, L., Ward, P., & Booth, S. (2020). Migration, Stress and the Challenges of Accessing Food: An Exploratory Study of the Experience of Recent Afghan Women Refugees in Adelaide, Australia.}_{International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}_,₁₇_{(4), 1379.}_{https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041379}