My Afghan Culture by

Islamic Religion

hinawasim03 — 2024-08-08 12:18:05 UTC

Daily life for many Afghans revolves around the five pillars of Islam, including prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. You will find Afghanistan has many Mosques, as they serve as a place of worship and community gathering (Kakar, 1995). 10% of Afghans identify as Shia, and the remaining 85% are Sunnis. For generations, Sunni and Shia Muslims have coexisted in harmony. It is now typical for followers of the two sects to be married and pray in the same Mosques in many different nations. Though their rituals and interpretations of Islamic law differ, they both recite identical prayers and share faith in the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet Mohammed.

Kakar, M. H. (1995). The Afghan State and Society: A Historical Analysis. Asian Survey, 35(2), 164-178.

Health beliefs & Traditional medicine

hinawasim03 — 2024-08-08 13:11:11 UTC

There are very few medical institutions in Afghanistan, and many of the individuals with stethoscopes and white coats are not certified, leading to one of the reasons for thousands of deaths in Afghanistan.

Afghans believe when someone gets sick, it is caused by possession by evil spirits, the evil eye, witchcraft, or the will of God. Some believe in traditional medicines such as Unani Medicine

Unani Medicine

hinawasim03 — 2024-08-11 09:20:25 UTC

In Afghanistan, Unani medicine refers to a conventional medical practice with longstanding roots that is still widely used in the nation's healthcare system. Unani medicine was developed by Persian and Islamic scholars after it was first practiced in ancient Greece (Wahab, 2009). It travelled to Afghanistan and other parts of South Asia, where it blended with indigenous customs and knowledge.

Due to the region's historical contacts with Persian and Indian civilisations, Unani medicine in Afghanistan has incorporated aspects of these traditions into its practice.
The four humors—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile are what make up Unani medicine (Khan & Hossain, 2014). It is believed that these humours are in balance while one is healthy, and that their imbalance is the source of disease.

Unani medicine holds a significant place in Afghanistan’s healthcare landscape, reflecting the country’s historical and cultural heritage (Aziz, 2016). While facing challenges such as integration with modern medicine, scientific validation, and resource constraints, Unani medicine also presents opportunities for growth and development. By addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities for research, collaboration, and education, Unani medicine can continue to contribute to the well-being of the Afghan population in a meaningful and effective way.

Aziz, K. (2016). Traditional Medicine in Afghanistan: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Practices. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 188, 150-158.

Khan, M. M., & Hossain, M. A. (2014). Unani Medicine: Its History, Principles, and Practices. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 5(1), 23-30.

Wahab, A. (2009). The Influence of Islamic Medicine on Central Asian and South Asian Healing Practices. Studies in History of Medicine and Technology, 12(4), 200-215.

Domain 1: Clinical Expert

hinawasim03 — 2024-08-12 13:09:17 UTC

Using competency standard 1.2 from the framework "Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds" is essential to my nursing profession, particularly while working with Afghan refugees (Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice, 2023). This criterion will enable me to consider how a patient's past trauma and cultural experiences will affect how they react to care. As a nurse, I'll make it a point to establish trust with my patients and go above and beyond to comprehend these variables when doing assessments and providing care. Given the stigma that may exist in some cultures, I am aware of the possible sensitivities around talking about trauma and mental health. As such, I will take care to approach these subjects with caution and use language that is non-threatening and respectful. Within my nursing practice, I will use my understanding and improve my comprehension of the various cultural backgrounds of patients. This standard has also reaffirmed the necessity of customising my strategy to my patients' cultural backgrounds. I now believe I am better equipped to give care that is not only efficient but also sympathetic and considerate of the patient's history when I acknowledge and incorporate cultural viewpoints.

Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. (2023).

Common Health Issues Upon Arrival To Australia

hinawasim03 — 2024-08-15 12:10:29 UTC

Afghan refugees often arrive in Australia with a variety of health problems. Since Afghanistan has descended into an ongoing state of conflict, mental health problems, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are a common concern among the country's refugees. Afghans are frequently exposed to traumatic events such as violence, the loss of family members, and displacement as a result of ongoing conflict. As per the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide (2021), there is a high prevalence of mental health conditions such PTSD among refugees who have fled conflict-torn areas.

To enable a treatment plan post traumatic informed care is a method which is especially pertinent for Afghan refugees who have suffered severe trauma. In order to address the unique needs of refugees, the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide highlights the significance of implementing trauma-informed care (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2021).

By enabling trauma informed care, it creates both physical and emotional safety for individuals in a welcoming environment to not feel judged, it also utilizes community support and peer networks, allowing people to share experiences, enabling the healing process.

Australian Government Department of Health. (2021). Australian refugee health practice guide.

WHO Social Determinants

hinawasim03 — 2024-08-15 12:10:59 UTC

Important social determinants of health, such as social inclusion and non-discrimination, can have a big impact on the wellness of Afghan refugees travelling to Australia.
Ensuring social inclusion guarantees equal access to healthcare services for refugees (WHO,2021). Given that Afghan refugees are from a range of socioeconomic levels they have endured severe trauma, and it is important that they have access to the right medical care. Language barriers, among other things, and other difficulties navigating the healthcare system might be caused by discrimination or social exclusion and make it more difficult to receive healthcare. By ensuring cultural competence within health services is part of fostering social inclusion. Afghan refugees may have specific cultural needs and preferences that impact their healthcare utilization. A lack of culturally sensitive care can result in misunderstandings and inadequate treatment. By promoting social inclusion and non-discrimination, healthcare providers can offer services that are respectful of cultural differences, which enhances the effectiveness of care and improves health outcomes.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Social Determinants of Health.

Afghan culture

hinawasim03 — 2024-08-25 10:19:49 UTC

Afghan's culture is a vibrant and complex blend of ethnic diversity, traditional dances and religious dances. One of my favourite Afghan traditions is the Attan. The Attan is a traditional dance often performed at social and ceremonial events. Growing up I learnt through my sisters how to perform and it, became a fun way of bringing everyone together.

hinawasim03 — 2024-08-28 16:00:02 UTC

Mantu is a quintessential Afghan dish that exemplifies the rich flavours and communal spirit of Afghan cuisine. The preparation of the food is what brings everyone together and can be served at festive occasions or just as a comforting home cooked meal. It consists of steamed dumplings filled with seasoned beef and onions accompanied with sauces.