Breaking the Silence on Men's Sexual and Reproductive Health in MENA
Author Information
Author(s): W. El Ansari, Kareem El-Ansari, Mohamed Arafa
Primary Institution: Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Hypothesis
What socio-cultural factors impact men's sexual and reproductive health in the Middle East and North Africa?
Conclusion
Socio-cultural factors significantly hinder men's sexual and reproductive health in MENA, necessitating efforts to improve acceptance and understanding.
Supporting Evidence
- Socio-cultural underpinnings affecting men's sexual health include challenges to gender equality and religious prohibitions.
- Stigma surrounding HIV and sexual health issues is prevalent across MENA populations.
- Research gaps exist in understanding men's sexual health beyond HIV, including other STIs and reproductive issues.
Takeaway
This study looked at how culture affects men's health in the Middle East and North Africa, showing that many men feel embarrassed to talk about sexual health issues.
Methodology
A systematic review of articles on socio-cultural aspects of men's sexual and reproductive health published in MENA, using PubMed and Scopus databases.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in the studies included cultural stigmas and the sensitivity of discussing sexual health issues.
Limitations
The review identified a lack of research on various socio-cultural aspects of men's sexual and reproductive health across many MENA countries.
Participant Demographics
The studies included healthcare professionals, university students, and the general public across various MENA countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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