Family Sex Communication Among Arab American Young Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

There is a significant gap in understanding the sexual health of Arab Americans. The purpose of this study is to explore family sex communication among Arab American young adults and its association with gender and sexual attitudes. We used a parallel mixed methods design and administered an electronic survey ( N = 100); a subsample of 24 participants participated in five focus groups. We observed convergence in the findings. Participants reported rare occurrences of family sex communication, with women reporting less comfort than men. Family sex communication was often “unspoken,” and reinforced prevailing social norms. Gender differences were reported based on sex communication topics. The most common source of sex information was peers/friends. Focus group participants perceived their parents to be more conservative and less knowledgeable about sex than they were. Future research on strategies to bridge generational differences is needed to promote family-based sex communication, given the multiple teachable moments at home.

Culturally sensitive recommendations for the clinical pharmacist to engage the Arab American patient

“…38 Traditional binary cisgender roles, heterosexuality, and sexual double standards (ie, when men receive positive reinforcement for sexual behaviors and women do not) and marriage before sex are important aspects of traditional ARAM communities. 39 Family sex communication is a rare occurrence in the ARAM family dynamic and is shaped by gender differences and discomfort. Peers and friends rather than family or healthcare providers are the main source for sex education to the ARAM population.…”

“…In that same age group, half endorsed engaging in sexual activity in the past 6-months but due to perceived stigma they do not routinely seek sexual health promotion resources and education material, which places them at a high risk for STDs. 39 Another problem is the perceived low rates of STDs in the ARAM community due to underreporting. This is complicated by the fact that ARAM epidemiological data remains sparse and face the challenge of underreporting and a lack of proper education.…”

“…Although sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have serious implication on the development of cancers, infertility, pregnancy, and chronic detrimental health effects for both men and women, it is challenging to engage ARAM patients in conversations related to sexual health in general and STDs more specifically 38 . Traditional binary cisgender roles, heterosexuality, and sexual double standards (ie, when men receive positive reinforcement for sexual behaviors and women do not) and marriage before sex are important aspects of traditional ARAM communities 39 . Family sex communication is a rare occurrence in the ARAM family dynamic and is shaped by gender differences and discomfort.…”

“…In fact, many young ARAM adults (aged 18‐25 years) have had some traditional ideologies toward sex, their attitudes tend to be more permissive. In that same age group, half endorsed engaging in sexual activity in the past 6‐months but due to perceived stigma they do not routinely seek sexual health promotion resources and education material, which places them at a high risk for STDs 39 . Another problem is the perceived low rates of STDs in the ARAM community due to underreporting.…”

The effect of young marriage on household communication harmony in Medan

“…The age which is still a teenager and not yet emotionally mature leads couples who marry at a young age to have many household conflicts, especially in the early years of marriage (Elston Lafata et al, 2023;Nursanti et al, 2021;Van Niekerk & Verkuyten, 2018). Married at a young age is often found in society, many factors cause teenagers to decide to get married, without thinking about future consequences and any capital (Abboud et al, 2022). Marriage is about gathering and coexists also connotes carrying out intercourse or a contract.…”