Middle Eastern And North African Research Articles

Health Information Technology Use among Foreign-Born Adults of Middle Eastern and North African Descent in the United States.

Health information technology (HIT) use among foreign-born adults of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent is understudied. MENA Americans are currently categorized as "White" in the United States (US) on federal forms. Our purpose was to uncover the prevalence of HIT use among MENA immigrants compared to US- and foreign-born White adults before and after adjusting for covariates. The 2011-2018 National Health Interview Survey data (n = 161,613; ages 18 + years) were analyzed. HIT uses evaluated were searching for health information, filling prescriptions, scheduling appointments, and communicating with healthcare providers via email (last 12months). Crude and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of each HIT use (searching for health information, filling prescriptions, scheduling appointments, and/or communicating with healthcare providers via email), and overall use of any HIT before and after adjustment. The most common HIT use was looking up health information (46.4% foreign-born MENA, 47.8% foreign-born White, 51.2% US-born White; p = .0079). Foreign-born adults of MENA descent had lower odds (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.56-0.74) of reporting any HIT use, but no difference in reporting all HIT uses compared to US-born White adults. This is the first study to explore HIT use among MENA Americans. Results contribute to growing body of literature showing the health of MENA Americans differs from White Americans. A separate racial/ethnic identifier is needed to better capture HIT uses among populations of MENA descent.

COVID-19 parent stress in Middle Eastern and North African countries: Relations to family adjustment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for individuals worldwide, including parents. Most research investigating stress during the pandemic has focused on single stressors in relation to outcomes and has been conducted in Western countries. Among parents from Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries, the present study used latent class analysis to identify specific subgroups of individuals based on combinations of stressful events experienced during the first two waves of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Whether individuals in these classes differed on levels of both adaptive (individual resilience, family cohesion) and maladaptive outcomes (depressive symptoms) was tested. Finally, perceived marital satisfaction was tested as a moderator of relations between class membership and adjustment outcomes. Participants were 545 parents (66.8% women, Mage = 35.79 years) recruited online who indicated presence or absence of experiencing 21 stressors across domains such as a family member contracting COVID, increased caregiving burden, work-related stress, and child adjustment problems. Three latent classes were identified, with one group characterized by work and child adjustment stress, one by child adjustment stress only, and one by low levels of stress across domains. The two higher stress groups reported increased depression. No associations with positive outcomes were found. Martial quality was most important for impacting greater resilience for those individuals experiencing child adjustment stress. This study provides evidence that COVID-related stress had disproportionate impact across parents in MENA countries. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Why developing countries need a new central bank paradigm: Evidence from the Middle East and North Africa region

This study utilizes a panel of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) economies to argue that developing countries need a new central bank paradigm. The study measures central bank independence in the MENA region. We leverage this measure of central bank independence to analyze its impact on inflation rates, economic growth rates, and unemployment rates. Our robust empirical results reveal that central bank independence has no effect on inflation rates, plays no role in economic growth, and does not contribute to job creation. The findings suggest that fixed exchange rates—rather than central bank independence—have been responsible for price stability in the MENA region over the past three decades. The prevailing central bank paradigm assumes that achieving and maintaining price stability would encourage private investment, which would subsequently promote sustained economic growth and job creation in the long term. As developing countries have failed to sustain economic growth and create decent jobs over the past thirty years, the study argues that price stability cannot be maintained, and central bank independence in these countries is likely to diminish. Consequently, the study calls for a new central bank paradigm that empowers central banks to play a more active role both in financing short-term government needs and in creating decent jobs in developing countries.

Long-term benefits to psychological health and well-being after ceremonial use of Ayahuasca in Middle Eastern and North African immigrants and refugees.

Refugees and immigrants can experience complex stressors from the process of immigration that can have lasting and severe long-term mental health consequences. Experiences after ayahuasca ingestion are shown to produce positive effects on psychological wellbeing and mental health, including anecdotal reports of improved symptoms of trauma and related disorders. However, data on the longitudinal health impact of naturalistic ayahuasca use in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrant and refugee populations is limited. The current longitudinal online survey study was conducted to gather prospective data on ceremonial ayahuasca use in a group (N = 15) of primarily female MENA immigrants and refugees and to provide further insight into the patterns and outcomes surrounding that use. The study sought to assess self-reported changes in physical and mental health, well-being, and psychological functioning, examine relationships between aspects of individual mindset (e.g., psychedelic preparedness) prior to ayahuasca use and observed outcomes during (e.g., subjective drug effects) and afterwards (i.e., persisting effects), characterize risks and negative experiences, and describe trauma exposure and personal history. Our findings revealed ceremonial use of ayahuasca is associated with significant improvements in mental health, well-being, and psychological functioning, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and shame, and increases in cognitive reappraisal and self-compassion. Most participants reported no lasting adverse effects and experienced notable positive behavioral changes persisting months after ingestion. While preliminary, results suggest naturalistic ayahuasca use might hold therapeutic potential for MENA populations exposed to trauma prior to and during the process of migration.

To Catch a Glimpse from Afar: MENA Scholars in US International Conferences

Abstract: As a dauntless practitioner of exulansis , I write this Note from the Field in an attempt to unlearn my practice of keeping silent about the challenges of moving across borders. It is based on a survey I did about the challenges and issues (e.g., securing visas and funds) that Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) scholars/researchers sadly encounter when they decide to participate in US conferences. While offering specific action items to the ATHE organizing committee, I remind my fellow MENA colleagues who have experienced disconnect that their sadness should prompt a vivid upsurge of collective attention to the countless possibilities we organizers and participants still have for cosmopolitan friendship while taking joy and grief all in, at once, from afar.

Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Among Middle Eastern and North African Immigrants to the United States.

Modifiable risk factors across the life course play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Studies have identified racial and ethnic disparities in ADRD risk factors. Few studies have explored the epidemiology of ADRD risk among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans, largely due to their classification as White in US national health surveys. Our aim was to estimate ADRD risk factors among MENA immigrants compared to US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic White adults. We linked cross-sectional 2000-2017 National Health Interview Survey and 2001-2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (N = 108695; age ≥ 18 years). Modifiable risk factors for ADRD that were evaluated (yes or no) included less than ninth grade education, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, hypertension, alcohol use, obesity, smoking, depressive symptoms, marital status, physical inactivity, and diabetes. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were conducted. Regression models were adjusted by age and sex. Compared to US-born White adults, MENA immigrants had higher odds of reporting less than 9th grade education (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.17-3.21) and psychological health concerns (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.06-1.56). Compared to foreign-born White adults, MENA immigrants had higher odds of diabetes (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.06-2.08) and psychological health concerns (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.01-1.54). The findings provide the first comprehensive look at potentially modifiable risk factors for ADRD among MENA immigrants based on a life course model. Without a racial/ethnic identifier for MENA individuals on a national level, ADRD risk factors among US-born MENA adults and MENA immigrants cannot be examined. More research is needed to explore these risk factors by life stage (early, midlife, and late) to further determine ADRD risk and prevention strategies for MENA Americans.

Does the board of directors play a role in mitigating real and accrual-based earnings management in the MENA context?

PurposeIn light of the key role attributed to the board of directors as a monitoring tool to constrain earnings management practices, this study aims to examine the effect of some board attributes on accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) context, whose institutional, economic and legal environment is markedly different from that of most organization for economic cooperation and development countries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors selected a sample of 161 nonfinancial companies from nine MENA countries between 2014 and 2021 (corresponding to an unbalanced data panel of 486 observations). The authors used the generalized least squares regression test to examine the relationship between board attributes and earnings management.FindingsThe authors found that three board attributes (size, independence and gender diversity) have no effect on both types of earnings management practices, while CEO duality has no effect on accrual-based earnings management but has a significant and negative effect on real earnings management. Overall, the results suggest that most board attributes do not play a crucial role in reducing earnings management.Research limitations/implicationsThe results provide valuable insights into the universal role of corporate governance mechanisms and raise questions about the role of the board of directors in improving reporting quality in the MENA context.Practical implicationsRegulators should adapt corporate governance mechanisms to the characteristics of the institutional context in which they are inserted.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effect of various board characteristics on both types of earnings management practices in the MENA context. It also provides the first empirical evidence of the relationship between board gender diversity and earnings management in the MENA region.

Diversification, Governance, and Macroeconomic Volatility in MENA Economies

This study examines the extent to which higher quality governing institutions substitute for or complement economic diversification to promote macroeconomic stability in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries. In contrast to previous findings, we found that economic concentration reduces volatility. Moreover, stronger effects emerge for countries with good governance. Economic concentration lowers macroeconomic volatility, especially in countries with good governance.

Maternal and Perinatal Health Disparities Among Middle Eastern and North African Women and Children in the United States.

Few studies have evaluated the health of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) women and children in the United States. Objectives were to determine the odds of well-visits, preventive behaviors during pregnancy, and low birthweight among foreign-born non-Hispanic MENA women and children compared to their US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic White counterparts after adjusting for covariates (hereafter, reported as MENA and White). We analyzed 2000-2018 National Health Interview Survey data (411,709 women, 311,961 children). Outcomes included well-woman visits (past 12 months); dentist visits (past 6 months) and current smoking among pregnant women; and low, moderately low, and very low birthweight among children. Covariates included age, family income, and health insurance for children. Education and marital status were also evaluated among women. Over half (53.4%) of foreign-born MENA women were of childbearing age (ages 18-45) compared to 47.7% US-born and 43.2% foreign-born White women. The odds of completing a well-women visit were 0.73 times lower (95% CI = 0.38-0.89) among foreign-born MENA women compared to US-born White women after adjusting for age, education, and marital status. There was no statistically significant difference in dental visits between groups. No foreign-born MENA pregnant women reported current smoking. Foreign-born MENA children had higher odds of low (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.16-2.35) and moderately low birthweight (OR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.19-2.66) compared to US-born White children in adjusted models. MENA women and children are classified as White by the federal government. Our results highlight that the health of foreign-born MENA women and children differ from their White counterparts.

Predictors associated with symptoms of depression & anxiety during the COVID-19 among MENA immigrants in Houston, Texas

Very limited knowledge is available regarding the mental health of the immigrant population in the USA. We aim to assess the factors affecting the mental health of immigrants living in Houston from war-inflicted and stable countries of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) origin during the pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the MENA immigrants using a validated survey of sociodemographic, general health, and COVID-19 questions. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed sociodemographic and clinical predictors of depression and anxiety. The outcome of interest was categorized as “moderate or severe” versus “minimal or mild” for depression and anxiety. Total of 94 participants completed the study, with the sample rate of "moderate or severe" symptoms of anxiety and depression being 29.78% and 64.89%, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis for depression showed that immigrants from war-inflicted countries of origin were less likely to report “moderate or severe” depression compared to immigrants from stable countries (OR = 0.082, 95% CI 0.012–0.551). Individuals with excellent overall health (OR = 0.074, 95% CI = 0.013–0.414) had a significantly lower likelihood of “moderate or severe” depression than those who reported fair/poor health. Non-smokers (OR = 0.068, 95% CI = 0.012–0.377) were less likely to report “moderate or severe” depression in comparison to those who engage in smoking behavior. Participants who responded to the question that they tried hard to avoid thoughts of COVID-19 were less likely to have symptoms of “moderate or severe” depression compared to participants who responded, “No” (OR = 0.110, 95% CI = 0.017–0.712). Those who have” excellent/good knowledge” (OR = 0.0146, 95% CI = 0.022–0.946) about the prevention of COVID-19 spread were less likely to have “moderate or severe” depression compared to those who had “average/poor/terrible”. Multivariable regression analysis revealed smoking as a significant predictor of anxiety, with non-smokers demonstrating a lower likelihood of experiencing "moderate or severe" anxiety than smokers (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06–0.84). MENA immigrant communities in the USA have diverse immigration experiences, cultural backgrounds, and instability issues in their home countries, possibly elevating the risk of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 crisis. Predictors identified should be considered by policymakers when developing targeted interventions to ensure the mental and social well-being of immigrant communities in the USA.

The impact of fiscal deficit on economic growth: An empirical study in selected MENA countries

The purpose of this article is to investigate how the fiscal deficit affects economic growth in five Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries: Bahrain, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan. These economies are bewildered by their high deficit levels, and their weak investment growth keeps them from achieving economic growth. This investigation, which spans the years 1995 through 2020, uses the ARDL (autoregressive distributed lag) methodology. The author selected four variables for this study: economic growth serves as the dependent variable, while the set of independent variables includes economic growth (GDPG), gross fixed capital formation as a percentage of GDP (GFCF), deficit as a percentage of GDP (DEFICIT), and inflation (INF). The long-run results showed that there is a negative link between economic growth and deficit; however, a positive relationship existed between inflation and economic growth. Gross fixed capital formation did not show any significant relationship with economic growth in the long run. In the short run, the results showed that inflation has a negative relationship with economic growth. The remaining variables, deficit, and gross fixed capital formation did not show a significant relationship with economic growth.

Examining the circumplex value structure and the person-environment value congruence hypothesis in Middle Eastern and North-African (MENA) countries

This study is set forth to address two objectives first, to examine the quasi-circumplex value structure in a sample of six Middle Eastern and North-African (MENA) countries (Jordan, Tunisia, Sudan, Palestine, Egypt, and Morocco; N = 800 in each), and second, to test whether the degree of fit between individuals’ pursued values and those values (i.e., the congruence hypothesis) prevailing in their society predicts their level of wellbeing. To address the first objective, we applied multi-dimensional scaling, and to address the second objective we operationalized value congruence as the difference between people's individual value score and their country-level average, assessing the effect of value congruence by conducting response surface analysis with facets of wellbeing as outcomes and personal and reference-group value priorities as predictors. Data for this study were derived from the Arab Psychology Index (API) which applied a stratified random sampling to obtain representative samples from the participating countries in 2019-2020. Our results indicate that the theorized quasi-circumplex structure of human values could not be replicated in MENA countries and the degree and specific nature of this deviation varies between MENA countries. Study results lend support to the congruence hypothesis, and this was true across the three indicators of wellbeing deployed (flourishing, prosociality, and social relations), although the support was stronger for social relations, less so for proscociality, and least for flourishing. Insights into these findings are offered and theoretical implications of the findings to are discussed.

Inclusion of the MENA Category in the U.S. Census: Will MENA Individuals and Their Health Disparities be Finally Visible?

Adding a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) category to the United States (U.S.) Census is necessary to identify the barriers that MENA Americans face, and the first step in eliminating them. In the U.S., racial and ethnic categories have shifted significantly throughout history to accommodate the constant changes in the demographic makeup and the sociopolitical climate of the country. The racial and ethnic classification of individuals in the U.S. reflects the type of services, fundings, and opportunities (e.g., economic, educational, health, housing) that a person can benefit from. Beyond providing population data, Census results dictate the annual distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds. But because they have been classified as White in the U.S. Census, residents who trace their ancestry to the Middle East and North Africa region have historically experienced systematic invisibility that became central to their daily lives (Abboud et al., 2019).

Food security and multicommodity agricultural international trade: Quantifying optimal consumer subsidies for nutritional needs

AbstractHundreds of millions of people are now facing food insecurity as challenges from climate change, the aftereffects of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and strife and conflicts make availability of food at reasonable prices challenging. International trade has enabled the reallocation of agricultural products, essential for nutrition, from countries with supply markets to other points of demand and has been the subject of an increasing number of policy interventions by governments. In this paper, a multicommodity international trade network equilibrium model is constructed with the inclusion of nutritional minimal standards to support food security, accompanied by consumer subsidies, for which explicit formulae are provided. The theoretical and computational framework is based on variational inequalities. Numerical examples focusing on Ukraine and MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) countries and a staple commodity of wheat demonstrate the modeling and policy framework.

Multicommodity international agricultural trade network equilibrium: Competition for limited production and transportation capacity under disaster scenarios with implications for food security

The number of people affected by disasters, including man-made ones, is on the rise globally, with rising food insecurity being one of the most critical impacts. Disasters, both sudden-onset and slow-onset ones, can cause disruptions to the production and transportation of agricultural commodities. Having the tools that can quantitatively assess the changes in agricultural commodity shipment volumes and their prices under disruptions caused by disaster scenarios is of major importance. In this paper, we utilize the theory of variational inequalities as the methodology to construct a multicommodity international agricultural trade network equilibrium model, which contains novel features of capacities on the production and transportation of multiple agricultural commodities to capture competition. The model includes exchange rates and accounts for multiple routes and possibly distinct transportation modes and combinations. Theoretical results are given and an algorithm is proposed. A series of numerical examples, both illustrative and algorithmically solved ones, inspired by Russia’s war on Ukraine, highlight the effects of reduced production and transportation capacities on food security in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries of Lebanon and Egypt. We also include sensitivity analysis results for exchange rates. The solutions reveal insights into the importance of the production and transportation capacities regarding food security, along with having multiple transportation routes that are cost-efficient as well as the importance of the magnitude of exchange rates.

The impact of financial assets’ classification according to IFRS 9 on firm value: the case of MENA region’s banks

Purpose The purpose of this study is twofold. On the one hand, it studies the impact of IFRS 9 adoption on the firm value; and on the other hand, it investigates the impact of the classification of financial assets on the firm value. Design/methodology/approach The study covers a sample of 55 listed banks in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region. Data is collected for three years (2017–2019). Findings The findings show that banks’ value is not impacted by IFRS 9 adoption but by financial assets’ classification. Firm value is positively affected by fair value through other comprehensive income assets, while it is negatively affected by amortized cost and fair value through profit or loss assets. The results of the additional analysis show consistent outcomes. Practical implications This research reveals important managerial implications. Priority should be given to the financial assets’ classification strategy following the adoption of IFRS 9 to boost the market valuation of banks. It may be useful for investors, managers and regulators in their decision-making. Originality/value This study enriches previous research as IFRS 9 is a new standard, and its adoption consequences need to be investigated. A few recent studies have focused on IFRS 9 as a whole or on other parts of IFRS 9, namely, the impairment regime and hedge accounting and concern developed contexts. However, this research adds to the knowledge of capital market studies by investigating the application of IFRS 9 in terms of classification in the MENA region.

MENA oil exporters need a renewable energy transition before the oil wells run dry: A special focus on innovation, financial development, and governance

Unlike previous studies, this paper specifically casts light on Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) oil exporters that desperately need to give a strong boost to renewable energy (RE) sources and export rather than uselessly burn their hydrocarbon resources, which support an overwhelming part of their economies. This paper extends the previous research by investigating the impact of oil revenues, innovation, financial development, and governance on renewable energy generation in eight oil‐rich MENA countries over the period 1996–2020 using the three‐stage least squares (3SLS) estimator, which is asymptotically more efficient than the two‐stage least squares (2SLS) employed in the similar‐scoped study of Bellakhal et al. (Energy Economics, 2019, 84, 104541). Furthermore, this study aims to detect structural changes in the econometric relationships between variables depending on a novel test with structural breaks proposed by Karavias and Tzavalis (Computational Statistics & Data Analysis, 2014, 76, 391–407). The main findings indicate that oil rents negatively and significantly affect RE production in MENA oil exporters in general and in non‐GCC countries in particular. While renewable energy production in the GCC countries is positively and significantly affected by oil rents. Innovation‐led RE increases at a greater pace in the GCC countries than in their non‐Gulf counterparts. renewable energy production appears to be positively and significantly affected by financial development and governance in oil‐rich MENA countries.

Bank efficiency in Middle East and North African countries: Does political connection type matter?

This study examines the effects of the political connections of chief executive officers (CEOs) or directors on technical, allocative, and cost bank efficiencies examining a panel of 144 banks operating in 12 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries observed over the 2008–2021 period. Using random effect tobit regressions, we find that the three types of political connections explored (aggregate, CEO, and board of directors) have negative effects on banks’ technical and cost efficiencies. In addition, CEO political connections exhibit superior explanatory power. These findings remain robust when we consider the sample in terms of monarchist and republican countries. Further evidence reveals that the effect of political connections is observed more strongly during the pandemic period (2020–2021) than during the 2008–2009 financial crisis period. Our results indicate that banks in MENA countries must strategically regulate bank political connections during crises and consistently thereafter. Our findings have implications for regulators investors and authorities in MENA countries.

Suitability of Middle Eastern and North African immigrant minimal reporting category for Arab immigrant health research in the national health interview survey

Studies of Middle Eastern immigrants using national data, with and without African immigrants, have provided important discoveries on the health of this group. However, they do not directly measure health among Arab immigrants. It is yet to be determined whether using a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) classification can represent the health needs of Arab immigrants. The objective of this study was to assess if MENA immigrant health reflects the same patterns found in previous research focusing on Arab immigrant health. We used multiple years of data from the National Health Interview Survey in alignment with each former study methodology to compare our findings with four previous research studies. The independent variable was region of birth among non-Hispanic Whites. The dependent variables were chronic diseases, women's preventive health behaviors, men's preventive health behaviors, and cigarette smoking. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the odds of each outcome for MENA immigrants compared to US-born Whites. Then, adjusted 95% confidence intervals representing the more inclusive MENA immigrant categorization were compared to previous studies among Arab immigrants. Chronic conditions, women's and men's preventive health behaviors and cigarette smoking did not differ whether the MENA or Arab definition was used. However, statistically significant differences were observed between MENA and Arab immigrants regarding bachelor's degree or higher, not employed and years in the US. The MENA category reflects the Arab immigrant experience, even though it includes a wider set of origins, some of which are not Arab. Including a MENA identifier on future data collections will both represent Arab Americans, as well as identify this population as distinct from Whites to better represent and track health disparities.

Locating Arab Americans in Greater Detroit: An Overview of MENA Archives in Southeast Michigan

ABSTRACT Southeast Michigan is home to one of the largest, most highly concentrated populations of people of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent in the United States. This case study includes summaries of MENA-related collections at four separate repositories: the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan, the Arab American National Museum, the Dearborn Historical Museum, and Eastern Michigan University Archives. This region not only provides unparalleled archival holdings, but researchers and archivists are actively working with local MENA communities to create future collections. In this study, staff from each of the four profiled institutions have contributed a summary that links collections across institutions and illustrates the importance of visiting two or more sites to fully understand the region's Arab American community. The authors reveal how researchers can find a rich collection of artifacts and photographs, oral histories, personal papers and organizational records, published materials, and government documents all within a half-hour drive of the Detroit Metro Airport. These collections, which are local, national, and international in scope, make metropolitan Detroit a crucial research site for historians, anthropologists, sociologists, and other scholars examining the life and culture of MENA communities across the United States.