Afghani Culture by

Health Beliefs

dorjinidup12 — 2024-08-28 03:16:07 UTC

According to Afghanistan's medical specialists, the health of Afghani is affected by cultural and religious beliefs (Harsch et al., 2017).

The Hodja (Muslim clergyman) recite prayers and carry out rites that involve blowing the breath of healing. They also write healing prayers in papers to be ingested with water. Womens are restricted to see doctors as most men especially the Taliban doesn't allow, so women usually consult local elders (Alici & Ogüncer, 2023).

Pashtuns practices applying of whiskey-soaked pack of cotton inside the vagina to stop bleeding (Grima, 2002).

The women breast feed their child for 2 years after birth as per their Quran and belief that abortion and contraceptives are a major sin (Alici & Ogüncer, 2023).

References;

Alici, N. K., & Ogüncer, A. (2023). Knowledge, Beliefs, and Cultural Practices of Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Afghan Refugee Women in Türkiye. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 35(1), 30–40. https://doi.org/10.1177/10436596231209042

Grima, B. (2002, November 15). Women, Culture, and Health in Rural Afghanistan | Expedition Magazine. Penn.museum. https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/women-culture-and-health-in-rural-afghanistan/

Harsch, S., Jawid, A., Jawid, M., & Bittlingmayer, U. (2017). Health literacy, the role of beliefs and barriers in Afghanistan. A quantitative study. European Journal of Public Health, 27(suppl_3). https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckx186.228

Domian 1: Clinical Expert

dorjinidup12 — 2024-08-28 03:17:55 UTC

From this domain, I was intrigued by the competency framework 1.2 about impact of refugee like experiences.

For me, the most impactful aspect from this framework is when I realized about the increased mental health problems experienced by refugees.

I have developed a sense of compassion for these people.

Having learned that there is a risk of re-traumatization (Migrant & Refugee, Women Health Partnership, 2019), I now realize the importance of trauma-informed approaches.

The knowledge of past detention and refugee status is also crucial for consideration.

Currently, I feel incompetent, and I will now need to skill up in order to approach such patients with trauma-informed care incorporating person-centered care.

References;

Migrant & Refugee, Womens Health Partnership. (2019, January). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds, COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS . https://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/4119639/mod_resource/content/3/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Impact of social inclusion and non-discrimination after arriving in Australia

dorjinidup12 — 2024-08-28 03:19:54 UTC

Refugee health in Australia can be influenced by social inclusion and non-discrimination. Inclusive communities improve access to healthcare services, mental health support, and education leading to better overall well-being (Rezaei et al., 2021). In a survey conducted by Ziersch et al., (2020), from the 423 adult refugees living in South Australia, 90% of those who experienced discrimination felt that it had harmed their mental health. Therefore, social inclusion and non-discrimination for refugees arriving in Australia can prevent this and contribute to better health facilitating the integration process (Staff, 2021).

References;

Rezaei, O., Adibi, H., & Banham, V. (2021). Integration Experiences of Former Afghan Refugees in Australia: What Challenges Still Remain after Becoming Citizens? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19), 10559. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910559

Ziersch, A., Due, C., & Walsh, M. (2020). Discrimination: a health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3

Staff, A. (2021, December 13). Afghan refugees face discrimination, employment and social challenges in Australia. ANMJ. https://anmj.org.au/afghan-refugees-face-discrimination-employment-and-social-challenges-in-australia/

Principle health issue that refugees face

dorjinidup12 — 2024-08-28 03:22:06 UTC

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common health concern among Afghans refugees arriving in Australia. A post arrival chest X-ray needs to be completed if the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and blood Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) are positive and refer the refugee to specialist TB services like Anita Clayton Clinic for assessment and treatment. If active TB is excluded, the treatment involves administering either isoniazid for 6-9 months or rifamycins for 3 months (Denholm et al., 2024) without interruption. Medicine like Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol are also used to treat TB (Anita Clayton Centre, n.d.).

For isoniazid resistance, which is a very common type of drug-resistant TB, it is recommended to include fluoroquinolone with levofloxacin (Queensland Health, 2023).

References;

Denholm, J., Francis, J., & Bailes, M. (2024). Tuberculosis (TB & LTBI). The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis-tb/

Anita Clayton Centre. (n.d.). Medications to treat tuberculosis. www.healthywa.wa.gov.au. Retrieved August 2024, from https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/Medications-to-treat-tuberculosis

Queensland Health. (2023). Treatment of tuberculosis in adults and children (pp. 1–19). State of Queensland. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/444566/tb-guideline-treatment.pdf

Foods

dorjinidup12 — 2024-08-28 12:46:24 UTC

Kabuli pulao is a meal that is popular among upper-class families in Kabul and is frequently referred to as the gem of Afghan cuisine. Kabul, the nation's capital, is where the name "Kabuli" first appeared. This classic dish consists of caramelized carrots, steaming rice, and a mixture of sweet spices. Dried fruits such as raisins and almonds are also included. There is a lot of lamb meat supplied with the rice tray (Travel Food Atlas, 2021).

It is customary for the young girls to learn how to cook traditional Afghan foods, such as Kabuli pulao (Jess Eats and Travel, 2018).

References;

Travel Food Atlas. (2021, June 21). Afghan Food: 12 Traditional Dishes of Afghanistan . Travel Food Atlas. https://travelfoodatlas.com/afghan-food

Jess Eats and Travels. (2018, February 22). A Guide to Afghan Food, Background and Culture. Jess Eats and Travels. https://jesseatsandtravels.com/how-to-eat-like-an-afghan/

Dress

dorjinidup12 — 2024-08-28 13:10:35 UTC

The national dress of Afghanistan is called Afghan Perahan Tunban worn by men consisting of loose-fitting trousers and a long tunic that provides comfort in the hot Afghan weather (Rehan, 2023). Men also wear a Turban on their head.

The women on the other hand wears Burqa (Chadari) which covers their entire body and face and is the only dress allowed in public places (The Fashiongton Post, 2023).

References;

Rehan, M. (2023, May). Afghanistan National Dress: A Celebration of Culture and Heritage. National Pedia - Read Everything National. https://nationalopedia.com/afghanistan-national-dress-a-celebration-of-culture-and-heritage/

The Fashiongton Post. (2023, October 18). Complete Guide to Afghan Clothing: A Journey Through Tradition and Style. The Fashiongton Post. https://fashiongtonpost.com/complete-guide-to-afghan-clothing/

Dance

dorjinidup12 — 2024-08-28 15:15:42 UTC

Afghanistan harbors a rich traditional dance which are usually showcased during festivals and special occasions along with their elegant attires (Houston, 2018). The most well-known traditional dance in the country is called Attan, which is regarded as the national dance of Afghanistan (Virtual Afghans, n.d.). Attan is usually showcased in the marriage ceremonies and special festivals, and it roots back to the Pashtun regions of Afghanistan. As per the tradition, women usually do not dance in the public and can only dance in their homes or in a closed setting with other women (Bayat, 2017).

References;

Houston, R. (2018). The Society of Folk Dance Historians (SFDH) - Afgan Dance. Sfdh.us. https://www.sfdh.us/encyclopedia/afghan_dance_st_john.html

Virtual Afgans. (n.d.). Attan - The traditional and national dance of Afghanistan. www.virtualafghans.com. http://www.virtualafghans.com/attan/index.asp

Bayat, E. (2017, January 26). A Look at Afghanistan’s Rich Tradition of Dance - Ehsan Bayat Afghan Wireless. Ehsan Bayat Afghan Wireless. https://ehsanbayatafghanwireless.com/look-afghanistans-rich-tradition-dance/