Gulf Education and Social Policy Review (GESPR)

Editorial: Breaking the Silence: Unveiling the Challenges of Women’s Reproductive Health

Mira Mousa — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This is an Editorial and does not have an abstract. Please download the PDF or view the article in HTML.

Cervical Cancer Awareness and Screening Practices Amongst Women in Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE and Migrant Women in Sydney, Australia

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UAE and the fourteenth most common cancer among women in Australia (Sung et al., 2021). Despite the introduction of vaccinations and cervical screening programs in both countries, Emirati and non-Emirati women living in Ras Al Khaimah and migrant women living in Sydney still face significant health disparities when accessing cervical cancer screening services. Currently, there is a lack of literature examining the obstacles to and facilitators of cervical screening among these groups of women. This study aimed to better understand the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and factors that hinder or promote access to cervical screening among these groups, which is crucial if healthcare professionals and policymakers are to deliver culturally sensitive services. This study was conducted in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and Sydney. The results identified several barriers to cervical cancer screening participation, including lack of knowledge, emotional, cultural, religious and psychological barriers, and organizational factors. The findings have implications for policies to address these barriers and encourage women to participate in health awareness initiatives and screening services.

Beyond Contraception: The Medical Necessity of Hormonal Contraceptives for Optimal Health and Well-being of Women in the UAE

Shamsa Al Awar, Kornelia Zaręba — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introducing contraception as a method of treatment of many diseases is essential in order to optimize health and well-being of women in the UAE. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the non-contraceptive benefits and possible methods of using hormonal contraception in cultural context of the country. We reviewed articles concerning non-contraceptive use of contraception. Authors conducted their search in Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, National Library of Medicine, and Google Scholar. Hormonal contraceptives offer several health and wellness benefits that can improve the overall quality of life for women. These benefits encompass mood stabilization, reduction of premenstrual symptoms, acne relief, recurrent functional ovarian cysts, and luteal hemorrhagic cysts prevention, positive impact on bone mineral density, treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, menstrual cycle abnormalities dysmenorrhea, ovarian and endometrial cancer prevention. It can also be used as a symptomatic method of treatment of PCOS and endometriosis. Moreover, it can guarantee appropriate birth spacing and can be prescribed for women with certain medical conditions where pregnancy poses significant risks to their health. Expanding access to hormonal contraceptives for non-contraceptive medical purposes requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy changes, regulatory reforms, insurance coverage adjustments, and educational initiatives for healthcare providers and the general public

Addressing Cultural Stigma: Endometriosis Diagnosis in the Arab World

Maryam Al Shukri, Maryam Easa Abdulla Mohammed Almarzooqi — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Endometriosis, a challenging chronic disease, has often been shrouded in delayed diagnosis. Efforts to enhance the quality of life for affected women by facilitating earlier diagnoses is crucial. Early diagnosis in the teenage years can impact not only the individual but also her family. In conservative cultures such as those found in the Arab world, including the Arab Peninsula, North Africa, and East Asia, reproductive capacity stands as a defining feature in a woman’s life. Endometriosis, viewed as both a stigma and a threat to reproductive capabilities, can significantly influence a girl’s marriage prospects, especially as within these cultural contexts, marriage is perceived as a protective shield, guarding against potential future hardships. The stigma associated with endometriosis intensifies the anxieties of both the affected girl and her parents about the future. This policy commentary dives into the intricacies of reproductive stigma, offering thoughtful suggestions to systematically address it on both policy and societal levels. The proposed interventions involve active engagement with adolescent girls, their families, partners, schools, healthcare institutions, specialized professionals, workplaces, and the broader communities. Comprehensively addressing these aspects can foster a supportive environment that empowers individuals to navigate the challenges posed by endometriosis in conservative cultures.

Your Fertile Years: What You Need to Know to Make Informed Choices By Joyce Harper. Sheldon Press. $19.99. September 2021. ISBN: 152935627X

Deema Ebrahim AlSabi — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This is a Book Review and does not have an abstract. Please download the PDF or view the article in HTML.

Acknowledgement to Reviewers 2023

GESPR Editorial Board — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This is an annual reviewer acknowledgement by the journal's editorial board to thank and acknowledge the journal reviewers for their time and efforts