The mission of AAHI is to reduce health disparities, highlight healthcare needs, increase health literacy, and fight stigma within the Arab American community with the goal of improving health outcomes.
Research Projects
Pediatric Vaccination Habits within Arab Americans
The controversial nature of vaccination compliance poses a public health threat to the understudied Arab American community. To advance the wellbeing of Arab Americans, the beliefs that dictate vaccination acceptance must be examined. The current study evaluates the implications of educational, social, and cultural influences on vaccination habits and rates among an Arab American pediatric population in Southeastern, Michigan.
Female Reproductive Health of Arab American Women
Reproductive health among Arab American female adolescents is an understudied and underreported topic. As these young adolescents approach adulthood and family planning it is necessary to educate them on the management of their reproductive health, better understand their reproductive health beliefs, and misconceptions surrounding conception and fertility. The current study aims to assess Arab American female adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding conception and fertility.
Comparison of the Experiences, Challenges and Coping Strategies for Parents of Children with Autism Between the United States and the Arab World
Although challenges and coping mechanisms are present for all parents, some aspects are influenced by culture. A survey, available in both English and Arabic, was posted electronically on social media support groups for parents of children with Autism in Arab countries and the US. The survey covered experiences, challenges, and coping strategies for raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Breast Cancer Knowledge Assessment and Screening Barriers for Breast Cancer in an Arab American Community in Dearborn, Michigan
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women during their lifetime. Little research has evaluated breast cancer knowledge and barriers to receiving appropriate screening among Arab Americans. Given that the Arab American population has grown approximately 47% since 2000, this study was designed to assess breast cancer knowledge and screening barriers in an Arab American community.
Colon Cancer Assessing Knowledge, Physician Interactions and Patient-Reported Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screenings among Arab American in Dearborn, Michigan
Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among men and women in the United States. Despite recent growth in the population that identifies having an Arabic-speaking ancestry, little research has been done to assess this unique community's knowledge regarding CRC. As low colorectal cancer screening rates can be attributed to lack of knowledge, this study survey was designed to address CRC knowledge and screening barriers in an Arab American community.
Physician Gender Preferences Amongst Arab Americans
As the Arab American community sees an increase in female physicians, knowledge of patients' perceptions is necessary to foster the physician-patient relationship. The objective of this study is to better understand physician gender preference among Arab Americans when given a range of selected medical scenarios.