Complying with the ethical standards when caring for individuals will be important to me as well as it is fundamental and will lead to the development of trust between the parties involved. My care should be  focused on the unique needs of the patients and conducted in a manner which upholds the dignity of the patients and this can be achieved by include providing a private room, using screens or discussing sensitive topics in a more private setting. The communication between me and the patient will be done in simple and clear language free of complex medical terminologies. This is essential for better understanding of the disease prognosis and promoting compliances with treatment regime which promotes better outcome and satisfaction. 

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted primarily through body fluids and is characterized by a high viral load. The living conditions of Afghan refugees before they arrived in Australia contributed significantly to the rapid and widespread transmission of this virus. These refugees lived in unsanitary camps, creating conditions for the virus to spread, further aggravated by inadequate sterilization of medical equipment used in intravenous procedures, thereby promoting HBV transmission amongst the refugee (Australian Refugee Health, n.d.). 

Upon arrival, individuals have treatment options to consider. They can choose to be tested for HBV infection, and if positive, they can receive appropriate treatment, be hospitalized where they will receive advice about HBV infection and how to prevent it. On the other hand, if the test results are negative, their vaccination history can be rechecked. If they have not been vaccinated against HBV, they will be given the necessary vaccine to help reduce the risk of HBV transmission. (Australian Refugee Health, n.d.).

Before arriving in Australia, these people endured extremely difficult circumstances, including being separated from loved ones, surviving bombings, war and many unimaginable hardships. Furthermore the added stress of having to adapt to a completely new environment, starting from scratch, and potentially facing discrimination can be mentally draining. This can contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and psychological distress, all of which can have a significant impact on quality of life and daily functioning (Tomasi et al., 2022).

 

To address this problem, it is important to educate people about its presence in a culturally appropriate way, direct them to available support resources, and make a concerted effort to reduce stigma surrounding mental health. It is essential to establish aid centres near the affected people, ensuring easy access and providing access points. Building trust between service providers and people is also an important goal of this company. (Tomasi et al., 2022).

In refugee camps, crowded living conditions and limited access to healthcare can lead to higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to unprotected sexual activity and inadequate awareness and prevention resources (Todd et al., 2010).

To address this, we can conduct STI testing for individuals from high-risk groups. If results are positive, through confidential means they can receive treatment, partner tracing and follow-up checks can be done. For the general population, we can promote awareness about various STIs, prevention methods, and offer free contraceptives in easily accessible locations to reduce STI transmission and prevalence (Australian Refugee Health, n.d.).



Australian Refugee Health. (n.d.). Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)» Australian Refugee Health. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/hepatitis-b/

Australian Refugee Health. (n.d.). Sexually transmissible infections (STIs)» Australian Refugee Health. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/sexually-transmissible-infections-stis/

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (n.d.). Afghanistan. Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/afghanistan

Department of Home Affairs. (2023, October 9). Afghanistan update. Www.homeaffairs.gov.au. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/afghanistan-update

Todd, C. S., Nasir, A., Raza Stanekzai, M., Abed, A. M. S., Strathdee, S. A., Bautista, C. T., Scott, P. T., Botros, B. A., & Tjaden, J. (2010). Prevalence and Correlates of Syphilis and Condom Use Among Male Injection Drug Users in Four Afghan Cities. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 37(11), 719–725. https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.0b013e3181e2c76a

Tomasi, A.-M., Slewa-Younan, S., Narchal, R., & Rioseco, P. (2022). Understanding the mental health and help-seeking behaviours of refugees. Aifs.gov.au. https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/understanding-mental-health-and-help-seeking-behaviours-refugees

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

World Health Organization. (2023). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

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