Health and culture by

Traditional medicine

bitutuanita22 — 2024-08-25 09:44:33 UTC

The Afghan methods of treatment focus on the use of traditional herbs, pastes, oils, plant parts and various medicinal roots to bring healing. Villagers of Pamir mountains of Afghanistan believe that regular consumption of apricots can treat and prevent high blood pressure and heart disease indicating their perception that "food is medicine" (Kassam et al.,2010). Different parts of plants are used differently. For instance, wheat grains are used to make bread but at the same time, a decoction made from wheat stems and honey is taken to relieve inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and cure a deep cough( Kassam et al.,2010).

Kassam, K. A., Karamkhudoeva, M., Ruelle, M., & Baumflek, M. (2010). Medicinal Plant Use and Health Sovereignty: Findings from the Tajik and Afghan Pamirs. Human ecology: an interdisciplinary journal, 38(6), 817–829. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-010-9356-9

Competency standard reflection

bitutuanita22 — 2024-08-25 10:54:30 UTC

For me, the central element of competency standard 1.4 was realising that people of certain migrant and refugee backgrounds are from collectivist communities which impacts their decision making (Australian Government Department of Health, n.d.) . I have upgraded my understanding of how to actively involve family members when caring for patients whose culture demands inclusion of their family members in matters pertaining to their health and treatment. Having acquired this knowledge, I feel more prepared to engage with patients of with such cultural specifications. This standard is important in my field of practice as providing quality care involves respecting my patients' culture and beliefs. Moving forward, I will be mindful of my patient's family influence in decision making as per culture demands and include them in discussions about their loved one's health and proposed treatment.

Australian Government Department of Health. (2022). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Australian Government Department of Health. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/culturally-responsive-clinical-practice

Breaking the bias!

bitutuanita22 — 2024-08-25 11:30:19 UTC

Mental health is a critical matter for many refugees who may have endured significant trauma due to war, violence and displacement. They may therefore show symptoms of depression ,stress, anxiety ,PTSD and poor social functioning. In extreme situations, there may be cases of suicidal attempts and ideation (Alemi et al.,2023). Stress may be due to lack of access to medical treatment ,food ,shelter and security. When they arrive in Australia, inclusion impacts their wellbeing as they acquire a sense of belonging, psychological support from organisations and access to healthcare services improves their general wellbeing.

Alemi, Q., Panter-Brick, C., Oriya, S., Ahmady, M., Alimi, A. Q., Faiz, H., Hakim, N., Sami Hashemi, S. A., Manaly, M. A., Naseri, R., Parwiz, K., Sadat, S. J., Sharifi, M. Z., Shinwari, Z., Ahmadi, S. J., Amin, R., Azimi, S., Hewad, A., Musavi, Z., Siddiqi, A. M., … Ventevogel, P. (2023). Afghan mental health and psychosocial well-being: thematic review of four decades of research and interventions. BJPsych open, 9(4), e125. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.502

TB as a primary health concern among refugees and migrants.

bitutuanita22 — 2024-08-25 12:01:59 UTC

One of the most common health concern associated with migrants and refugees is Tuberculosis. The stressful conditions of migration and displacement, crowded living conditions and limited access to healthcare can exacerbate the risk of TB among this population. There are two types of TB; Latent TB and active TB. People with latent TB are asymptomatic and non-infectious whereas those with active TB show symptoms such as fever, malaise, weight loss or failure to thrive in children, chronic cough and haemoptysis. Upon arrival in Australia, migrants and refugees undergo TB screening. This is done through chest X-ray, Tuberculin Skin Test(TST) or Interferon- Gamma Release Assay(IGRA) and sputum tests. Treatment using antibiotics for 6-9 months is available for LTBI but only after active TB has been excluded. (Referrals: Western Australia, n.d.)

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (n.d.). Referrals: Western Australia. http://refugeehealthguide.org.au/referrals/western-australia/

Afghani cuisine

bitutuanita22 — 2024-08-27 12:57:15 UTC

Afghanistan's traditional food and practises are founded on the country's rich cultural heritage and geographical diversity. Certain foods are prepared specifically for religious celebrations and festivals, for example, Dastarkhan which is eaten during ramadhan. Spices such as saffron, cardamon, cumin, coriander, dried fruits, nuts and yoghurt are used to flavour and texture food.Afghan's traditional dish is the Kabuli pulao made from meat(often lamb) and rice cooked with fried carrots and raisins. Sugar-sweetened tea is the primary beverage as well as Doogh (a salty yoghurt drink) consumed mostly in summer (Farsi,2021). Afghan cuisine is generally balanced, emphasising whole fresh ingredients and moderation hence encouraging a healthy population.

Farsi, E. P. D. (2021). Food and cultural practices of the Afghan community in Australia – a community resource. Afghan Community Organization. http://example.com/afghan-food-culture

Religion

bitutuanita22 — 2024-08-27 13:16:01 UTC

The Afghani people widely practice the Islam religion hence have various practices such as prayer, fasting and recitation of the Qur'an. Additionally, they have observances such as ritual cleansing dietary structures and avoidance of alcohol and drugs to promote health .Dietary restrictions involve the avoidance of pork and products with gelatin and food additives if they are not halal. Ramadhan, a period of mandatory fasting, is also associated with this religion. Muslims turn to traditional healing practices encouraged by Qur'an which includes use of black seed, herbs and honey, cupping conducted by specialised healers. In turning to religious healing practices, some Afghanis avoid seeking medical attention( Shirazi,2015).

Shirazi, M., Shirazi, A., & Bloom, J. (2015). Developing a culturally competent faith-based framework to promote breast cancer screening among Afghan immigrant women. Journal of Religion and Health, 54(1), 153–159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-013-9793-z

Language

bitutuanita22 — 2024-08-27 23:23:54 UTC

Afghanistan is a multilingual country with a rich linguistic landscape. The main languages spoken are Pashto, Dari the language of the Tajik people and Farsi. Moreover, there are about 30 unofficial languages spoken in the Afghan community(Farsi,2021). Owing to their multilingual nature, it is essential that an individual's preferred language be identified and an accredited interpreter be sought to ensure delivery of quality care.

Farsi, E. P. D. (2021). Food and cultural practices of the Afghan community in Australia – a community resource. Afghan Community Organization. http://example.com/afghan-food-culture