Embracing Health and Wellness Through The Lens of Afghan Culture by Kythe Ambika

Health and Wellness in Afghan Culture

kytheambikaalbano — 2024-08-28 05:35:52 UTC

Afghan health beliefs are deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and traditional practices. Many Afghans view health as a balance between hot and cold elements in the body, influenced by the ancient Unani system of medicine. Illness is often attributed to imbalances, spiritual causes, or the "evil eye” (Arizona Department of Health Services, 2014). Traditional remedies include herbal treatments, dietary adjustments, and spiritual healing practices, such as prayer or amulets. While modern medicine is accepted, especially in urban areas, many Afghans still rely on traditional healers and remedies, particularly in rural regions where access to healthcare is limited (Grima, 2002). An example of a healing tradition is the dam rituals performed by Mullahs, which is blowing the breath of healing while reciting prayers. Family and community play significant roles in health decisions (Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center, n.d.).

Arizona Department of Health Services. (2014, May 29). Arizona Department of Health Services. Www.azdhs.gov. https://www.azdhs.gov

Grima, B. (2002). Expedition Magazine | Women, Culture, and Health in Rural Afghanistan. Expedition Magazine. https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/women-culture-and-health-in-rural-afghanistan/#:~:text=Traditional%20Healing%20Practices&text=Mullahs%20perform%20dam%20rituals%2C%20blowing

Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center. (n.d.). Communication Languages and Dialects. https://sntc.medicine.ufl.edu/Content/Products/Downloads/Afghanistan%20Cultural%20Quick%20Reference%20Guide.pdf

Domain 1 of the 'Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working With People From Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds'

kytheambikaalbano — 2024-08-28 05:41:38 UTC

Domain 1 highlights the importance of providing culturally sensitive and individualised care for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). The most significant aspect for me is Competency Standard 1.1, which emphasises adapting care to respect diverse cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). To incorporate this into my nursing practice, I will actively listen to patients, acknowledge their unique cultural and health beliefs, and create an environment where they feel respected and welcomed. Continuous self-reflection and education on cultural competence will be crucial to ensuring that my care remains effective, compassionate, and tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

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

Helicobacter Pylori in Afghan Refugees

kytheambikaalbano — 2024-08-28 16:16:09 UTC

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining, causing conditions like gastritis, gastric ulcers, and is linked to some stomach cancers (Healthdirect Australia, 2019). It is mainly transmitted through direct contact and is common in developing countries like Afghanistan due to poor sanitation, low socioeconomic status, and overcrowding (Salih, 2009).

In Australia, H. pylori is treated according to the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines Gastrointestinal, recommending a seven-day course of acid suppression therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), combined with amoxicillin and clarithromycin in consideration for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and a 14-day treatment duration for children (Schulz et al., 2024).

Australia, H. (2019, December 10). Helicobacter pylori. Www.healthdirect.gov.au. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/helicobacter-pylori

Salih, B. A. (2009). Helicobacter pylori Infection in Developing Countries: The Burden for How Long? Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology : Official Journal of the Saudi Gastroenterology Association, 15(3), 201–207. https://doi.org/10.4103/1319-3767.54743

Schulz, T., Kay, M., & Cherian, S. (2024). Helicobacter Pylori» Australian Refugee Health. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/helicobacter-pylori/

Turmeric: Wonder Spice

kytheambikaalbano — 2024-08-28 16:38:08 UTC

Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, hails from Southeast Asia where it is primarily grown (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2020). Its use dates back almost 4,000 years to Vedic culture in India (Prasad & Aggarwal, 2011). The plant's rhizome, or underground stem, serves as both a culinary spice and a component in traditional medicine (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2020). In Afghanistan, turmeric is applied to a burnt cloth placed over wounds to aid in healing. Its versatility extends to various applications, including dyeing, ritual and ceremonial purposes, medicine, antiseptic use, and flavouring (Ghilzai, 2021).

Ghilzai, H. (2021). TURMERIC - THE WONDER SPICE — Home. Afghan Culture Unveiled. https://www.afghancultureunveiled.com/humaira-ghilzai/afghancooking/2014/05/turmeric-wonder-spice.html

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020, May). Turmeric. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric

Prasad, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2011). Turmeric, the Golden Spice. Nih.gov; CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/

Kabuli Pulao: An Unforgettable Dish

kytheambikaalbano — 2024-08-28 16:50:21 UTC

Kabuli Pulao is a fragrant Afghan rice dish traditionally served during special occasions and gatherings. Made with long-grain basmati rice, tender chunks of lamb or beef, and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is enhanced with a mix of sweet and savoury elements—dried fruits like raisins and apricots add a touch of sweetness, while a sprinkle of crunchy, toasted almonds provides a satisfying texture. Kabuli Pulao reflects the vibrant flavours and cultural heritage of Afghanistan.

Babar, N. (2021, April 30). Kabuli Pulao (Chickpea Rice Pilaf). Untold Recipes by Nosheen. https://untoldrecipesbynosheen.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/

Sharafi, H. (n.d.). Kabuli Pulao Recipe. I Got It from My Maman. https://www.hamisharafi.com/free-recipes/kabuli-pulao

The Joy and Rhythm of Afghan Public Dancing

kytheambikaalbano — 2024-08-28 17:05:56 UTC

Afghans’ religious or national feast days, and particularly weddings, are celebrated by public dancing. The performance of the attan dance in the open air has been a long tradition in the Afghan culture. It is a lively and communal tradition where people come together to celebrate through rhythm and movement.

Nancy Hatch Dupree, & Dupree, L. (2019). Afghanistan - Daily life and social customs. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Afghanistan/Daily-life-and-social-customs

Nowruz: New Life and New Beginnings

kytheambikaalbano — 2024-08-28 17:21:20 UTC

Nowruz is a traditional spring festival that begins on the day of the vernal equinox, marking the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The term ‘Nowruz’ originates from the ancient Avestan language, meaning ‘new day.’ The festival represents the renewal of nature, the arrival of new life, and the promise of fresh beginnings. In Afghanistan, festivities typically extend for about two weeks, concluding on the first day of the Afghan New Year, which will be observed this year on Monday, March 20th.

Nowruz celebration in Afghanistan. (2022, March 24). Mehr News Agency. https://en.mehrnews.com/news/184697/Nowruz-celebration-in-Afghanistan

Nowruz in Afghanistan: Everything You Need to Know. (n.d.). Afghanaid. https://www.afghanaid.org.uk/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nowruz

WHO Social Determinant: Social Inclusion and Non-discrimination

kytheambikaalbano — 2024-08-29 01:23:09 UTC

Gemen, R. (2021, December 13). Health Inequalities and the social determinants of health: a synopsis report of 2021 - EPHA. Https://Epha.org/. https://epha.org/health-inequalities-synopsis-report-of-2021/

Tan, R.K.J. (2021). Social Inclusion and Social Determinants of Health. In: Liamputtong, P. (eds) Handbook of Social Inclusion. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48277-0_2-1

World Health Organization. (2024). Social determinants of health. Www.who.int. https://who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1