ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on a range of issues that affect the health of women in the Arab world. Researchers and practitioners should appreciate the reciprocal roles that men and women play in society, and how these roles impact the health of both sexes. In many Arab countries, the low numbers of decision-makers in health systems who are women may contribute to a lack of policies and programs that are uniformly suited to the needs of both genders. Traditional attitudes toward sexuality are strongly protective against such reproductive health risks as sexually transmitted diseases, and out-of-wedlock births. Research has documented a number of associations between polygamous marital structure and health and health behavior, primarily among women. Divorce has also been shown to have a considerable impact on the mental health and economic well-being of families and individuals. Breast cancer is a major health problem for women worldwide.
