AFGHANI CULTURE by Mariet Thomas

Sunlight and clothing: Vitamin D Deficiency

marietthomas1312 — 2024-08-26 09:30:15 UTC

Vitamin D deficiency is a significant health obstacle among Afghani refugees, with nearly 50% of them experiencing this issue. Remarkably, 90% of the women experience this deficiency, often due to their cultural practice of wearing attire that limits sunlight exposure, which is crucial for vitamin D synthesis (Sanati Pour et al., 2014). This deficiency can result in health issues like bone and muscle pain, infections, heart diseases, and blood sugar-related conditions in adults; rickets, and late dental development in children (Madsen, 2014) (Sanati Pour et al., 2014) (Australian Refugee Health Guide, 2018). However, this can be tackled through administering high-dose vitamin D supplementation, done through clinical trials where vitamin D2 or D3 (>2800 IU/day) is administered and followed up through frequent screenings for progress. Reasonable exposure to sunlight can also improve vitamin D levels among refugees (Malihi et al., 2019).

Madsen, L. (2014). Addressing the Health of Refugees: Vitamin D Addressing the Health of Refugees: Vitamin D. Quill & Scope Quill & Scope, [online] 7. Available at: https://touroscholar.touro.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1161&context=quill_and_scope
Malihi, Z., Wu, Z., Lawes, C.M.M. and Scragg, R. (2019). Adverse events from large dose vitamin D supplementation taken for one year or longer. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 188, pp.29–37. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.12.002.
Multicultural Health Service (2012). Low Vitamin D» Australian Refugee Health. [online] NSW health . Available at: https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/low-vitamin-d/.
Sanati Pour, M., Kumble, S., Hanieh, S. and Biggs, B.-A. (2014). Prevalence of dyslipidaemia and micronutrient deficiencies among newly arrived Afghan refugees in rural Australia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 14(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-896.

Domain: 1- Impact of Refugee-like experiences

marietthomas1312 — 2024-08-26 15:32:21 UTC

For me, the most significant aspect of Competency 1.2 was the realization that refugee care needs to be trauma-focused and flexible. I have improved my understanding of the ways torture and separation influence refugees' mental wellness. Having learned about trauma-focused care, I am composed to provide compassionate and beneficial care for my patients from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds. This understanding is crucial in my nursing practice because it helps me offer a safe and positive atmosphere for patients who approach me at work. I once encountered a refugee who battled to express himself due to PTSD, anxiety, as well as mistrust, and I could not make him feel comfortable. The previously mentioned incident was because of my lack of understanding of torture-focused care.

Later, I realized the importance of preventing refugees from experiencing recurrent trauma. Person-centred care and communication practices would foster client trust, resulting in positive patient outcomes (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019).

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. [online] Available at: https://cbrhl.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Culturally-responsive-clinica.pdf.

Social Inclusion & Non-discrimination

marietthomas1312 — 2024-08-27 09:24:16 UTC

Social variables beyond medical factors (Social Determinants Of Health), such as social inclusion and non-discrimination, significantly impact the health outcomes of Afghani refugees. Refugees who faced inequality had lower emotional wellness. Discrimination has also been connected to a decline in confidence, authority, trustworthiness, and a sense of connection(Ziersch, Due and Walsh, 2020)(Cheng et al., 2015) (World Health Organization, 2024). In an Australian urban displacement study of adult Afghan refugees, 44% of those surveyed went through PTSD. The possibility of getting a PTSD diagnosis was strongly linked with communication issues and being away from family members, although refugees who are socially engaged experience lower levels of PTSD (Hamrah et al., 2020) (Nickerson et al., 2019).

Ziersch, A., Due, C. and Walsh, M. (2020). Discrimination: a health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health, 20(1), pp.1–14. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3.
Cheng, I-Hao., Wahidi, S., Vasi, S. and Samuel, S. (2015). Importance of community engagement in primary health care: the case of Afghan refugees. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 21(3), p.262. doi:https://doi.org/10.1071/py13137.
World Health Organization (2024). Social determinants of health. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1.
Hamrah, M.S., Hoang, H., Mond, J., Pahlavanzade, B., Charkazi, A. and Auckland, S. (2020). The prevalence and correlates of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among resettled Afghan refugees in a regional area of Australia. Journal of Mental Health, 30(6), pp.1–7. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2020.1739247.
Nickerson, A., Byrow, Y., O’Donnell, M., Mau, V., McMahon, T., Pajak, R., Li, S., Hamilton, A., Minihan, S., Liu, C., Bryant, R.A., Berle, D. and Liddell, B.J. (2019). The association between visa insecurity and mental health, disability and social engagement in refugees living in Australia. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 10(1), p.1688129. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2019.1688129.

Attan: The rhythm of emotion

marietthomas1312 — 2024-08-28 08:55:50 UTC

The traditional Afghan dance Attan represents courage, friendship, and respect. It has roots in the Pashtun tribes and features swirling movements, rhythmic stepping, and hip motions matched to live Dhol drumming and traditional music. The dance lasts five to thirty minutes, fostering community and spiritual connections. In Attan, each move and pace express strong sentiments and psychological states. Attan is a lively portrayal of Afghan identity with unique variations from every part of Australia (Khan & Khattak, 2014).

Reference:

Khan, S., & Khattak, A. (2014). Role of Pashto theatre and other performing arts in inculcating the Spirit of Cultural Renaissance and promoting nationalistic & ethical values among Pashtuns: An analytical overview. Sarhad University International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2(1), 46-57.

Patterns and Tradition: Afghan Rugs

marietthomas1312 — 2024-08-28 10:31:32 UTC

Afghan rugs are a recognized and unique craft from the country, valued for their complex patterns, including themes that act as meditations, tales, or representations of ideologies and cultural significance. Periodically, these patterns undergo alterations to reflect the impact of war, including patterns like troops, aircraft and firearms. Traditionally, hand-spun wool and natural plant pigments were the only raw materials used to weave these vibrantly coloured carpets. The colours used in these mats symbolize emotions and principles: black depicts damage, brown reflects reproduction, yellow signifies the throne, and blue indicates enjoyment. However, this art form is a significant source of income among artists (Barmakia, 2020).

Barmakia, S. (2020). Afghan Rugs Pattern in a Visual Ethnographic Perspective. International Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 2(2), 96-104.

Licorice: Afghan Traditional Remedy

marietthomas1312 — 2024-08-28 15:22:22 UTC

Licorice is utilized extensively in Afghan herbal remedies. Due to its rich medicinal traits, this resistant plant— blooms naturally in Afghanistan, specifically in the Guldara area of Kabul. This plant can help with asthma and itchy coughs because it fights germs and reduces inflammation; it also calms the stomach to mitigate gastric ulcers and constipation. It lowers blood pressure and provides a mild osmotic effect, both of which help to reduce water retention (Dastagir and Rizvi 2016)

Dastagir¹, G., & Rizvi², M. (2016). Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Liquorice). Pak. J. Pharm. Sci, 29(5), 1727–1733. https://nahalsabzsalamat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Glycyrrhiza-glabra-L.-Liquorice.pdf

Buzkashi: Riding with Tradition

marietthomas1312 — 2024-08-28 18:04:40 UTC

Buzkashi, a team game played on horses, is recognized as the national sport of Afghanistan, which perfectly expresses Afghanistan's essence, past, and culture. In Buzkashi, players take hold of a decapitated goat's body and drag it beyond a target zone. Riders use their horses to control dead animals while competing to avoid opponents. Riders typically wear shields on their upper bodies and thick clothing to shield themselves from the impacts of their opponents' strikes and kicks. Strength, courage, and durability are traits that this sport represents (Robertson, 2012)(Azoy, 2019).

Robertson, R. (2012). SPORTS DIPLOMACY IN A CONFLICT ENVIRONMENT: THE CASE FOR CONTINUED EFFORTS IN AFGHANISTAN. https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=exchange
Azoy, G. W. (2019). Google Books. Google.com.au. https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Buzkashi/d8Fo13XCP6wC?q=Understanding+Buzkashi:+A+study+of+traditional+Afghan+sports.&gbpv=1#f=false