For instance, a young man's transition to adulthood may be symbolised by his newfound permission to don a turban (TRC Leiden, 2017).

TRC Leiden. (2017). Afghan Dress. https://trc-leiden.nl/trc-digital-exhibition/index.php/afghan-dress/item/72-hamid-karzai-and-afghan-unification

Wikipedia. (n.d). Afghan clothing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_clothing

Zeenatwears.(2023, January 11). Afghanistan clothing culture. Medium. https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/apa7/images

Glinski (2021), states that the practice consists of individuals called mystics, holy people or Magicians - drawing circles and lines onto a piece of paper, adding numbers and verses from the Quran.

Once ready, the ta’wiz is usually carried in a small pouch around the arm or neck. The ta’wiz is also often dissolved in a small bowl of water and the patient is ordered to drink it every day to feel better (Glinski, 2021).

Glinski, S. (2021, June 8). Mystics of Kabul: Afghans turn to ‘faith healers’ as healthcare becomes increasingly inaccessible. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/climate-and-people/mystics-kabul-afghans-turn-faith-healers-healthcare-becomes/

Grima, B. (2002, November). Women, Culture, and Health in Rural Afghanistan. Expedition Magazine, 44(3). https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/women-culture-and-health-in-rural-afghanistan/

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal. (2021). Afghan refugees face discrimination, employment and social challenges in Australia. https://anmj.org.au/afghan-refugees-face-discrimination-employment-and-social-challenges-in-australia/

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(10559), 1-14. 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(108), 10-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3

I have developed my understanding of trauma informed approaches to care (Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians, 2019).

Having learned about the impact of refugee-like experiences, I now feel I have gained a deeper understanding about how to care for patients of a different culture (Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians, 2019).

This skill is essential to me in the workplace because I did not attend to such patients. I will now need to diligently practice & review my attained knowledge.

Previously, I thought refugees experiencing trauma can get better through enough counselling. Alternatively, this might be because of my own cultural view on mental illness.

Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Afghanistan is located in Central Asia. Violence has been the major factor in involuntary movements among civilians, resulting in many being displaced under humanitarian support from nations such as Australia (UNHCR, 2024).

A common health concern listed on the Australian refugee health practice guide that refugees are likely to be present with is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Singleton et al., 2024).

This condition tends to emanate from the experiences of refugees which usually involves trauma, conflict, significant human rights violations and violence.(Singleton et al., 2024).

Singleton et al. (2024) recommends that, for treatment, refugees with mental illness related to trauma should be referred to a Specialised Torture and Trauma Service (STTS).

Singleton, G., Hocking, D., Gardiner, J., & Paxton, G. (2024). Mental Health. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

USA for UNHCR. (2024, July 29). Afghanistan Refugee Crisis Explained. The UN Refugee Agency. https://www.unrefugees.org/news/afghanistan-refugee-crisis-explained/

As such, many readers turn to his book for the perspective of the people and their beloved nation.

Bammi, A. (2021), states that the story takes the readers on a journey filled with mixed emotions, allowing the readers to emphasise with how the lives of the Afghans has been affected.

Bammi, A. (2021). An Analysis of “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. International Journal of Science and Research, 10(5), 1-4. Http://doi.org/10.21275/SR21422205742

Harris, E. (2021, August, 18). ‘There’s So Much More to Afghanistan’: Khaled Hosseini Reflects on His Birthplace. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/18/books/khaled-hosseini-afghanistan.html

Humaira (2013) mentioned that Dough has a reputation for inducing drowsiness when consumed after a meal.

Recipe (Singh, 2014)

Ingredients

• Yogurt: 3.5 cups [preferably full-fat yogurt]

• Water: 2 cups + 15 ice cubes

• Cucumber: 1/2, chopped

• Mint leaves: 10-12 leaves, chopped

• Salt: 1/4 tsp

• Black salt: to taste, around 1/2 tsp

Instructions

1. Chop the mint leaves and cucumber.

2. Put all ingredients together in a blender.

3. Blend until smooth.

4. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.

Begum, R. (2020, March 21). Dough Persian Yoghurt Drink.

The Delicious Crescent. https://www.thedeliciouscrescent.com/doogh-yogurt-drink/

Humaira. (2013, August 22). Cucumber & Mint Yogurt Drink, Dough. Afghan Culture Unveiled. https://afghancooking.typepad.com/afghan-culture-unveiled/2013/08/cucumber-mint-yogurt-drink-dough.html

Singh, M. (2014, March 2). Dough – Afghan Yogurt Drink. Cook with Manali. https://www.cookwithmanali.com/dough-afghan-yogurt-drink/