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Sexual and Reproductive Health Education Interventions Conducted across the League of Arab States: A Regional Scoping Review

  • Basil H. Aboul-Enein
  • , Patricia J. Kelly
  • , Sudha Raddi
  • , Suha Ballout
  • , Fatmah Almoayad
  • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  • London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  • Thomas Jefferson University
  • University of Bisha
  • Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Women and men in the League of Arab States (LAS) face significant barriers in accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information due to cultural taboos, gender inequality, and structural limitations within health and education systems. Despite increasing global recognition of the importance of SRH education, interventions in the LAS remain fragmented and under-evaluated. This scoping review aims to identify, describe, and appraise existing interventions addressing SRH education-related outcomes across LAS countries, with a focus on assessing their effectiveness, limitations, and areas for future research and policy development. Recent Findings: Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, representing diverse interventions including school-based, community-led, peer-supported, mHealth, and clinical-provider-based approaches. While many interventions demonstrated improvements in SRH knowledge and attitudes, significant barriers such as provider stigma, lack of parental and community support, and gender-based restrictions persist. Gaps remain in addressing the needs of marginalized populations, including refugees and LGBTQ + youth, and few studies report long-term behavioral outcomes. Summary: Effective SRH education interventions in the LAS require culturally sensitive, inclusive, and sustainable models integrated within health and education systems. Future research and policy should prioritize long-term evaluations and target underserved populations to ensure equitable access to SRH education and services.

Original languageEnglish
Article number14
JournalCurrent Sexual Health Reports
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2025

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Urology

Keywords

  • Arab countries
  • Education
  • Intervention
  • Reproductive health
  • Sexual health

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