NAAMA NextGen Research
Advancing global health equity and addressing critical health disparities in Arab American and MENA communities through research
NAAMA NextGen is deeply committed to advancing health equity through rigorous, student-led research that addresses critical gaps in Arab American and MENA community health. Since our founding, research has been a cornerstone of our mission—empowering the next generation of healthcare leaders to contribute meaningfully to the scientific literature while developing essential research skills.
Ongoing Since 2023
Women's Health Research with the Amel Association in Lebanon
Lebanon • University of Michigan
Launched in 2023, this women’s health research focuses on identifying gaps in knowledge, education, and access to sexual, reproductive, and mental health care for refugee women receiving services at Amel clinics across Lebanon. Led by Dr. Rouba Ali-Fehmi and supported by a $35,000 grant from the University of Michigan’s Center for Global Health Equity (CGHE), the work engages NAAMA NextGen students alongside partners from the University of Michigan, Henry Ford Health, the Amel Association, and the American University of Beirut Medical Center.
Using a mixed-methods quantitative approach, the project examines health knowledge, attitudes, practices, and access to care among both refugee women and healthcare providers. Surveys from 150 patients and 50 healthcare providers have been completed and are currently being analyzed, with findings contributing to two student-led manuscripts on women’s health education needs and PTSD-related outcomes.
Student Opportunities: Summer Lebanon Internship
Students can engage with projects like this through the Summer Lebanon Internship, which offers 5-10 NextGen members each summer the opportunity to spend two weeks across 20+ Amel clinics in Lebanon, gaining hands-on global health experience while contributing to ongoing research in collaboration with the University of Michigan.
Research Team:
Lead: Dr. Rouba Ali-Fehmi
Partners: University of Michigan, Henry Ford Health, Amel Association, American University of Beirut Medical Center
Students: NAAMA NextGen members through Summer Lebanon Internship
Ongoing Since 2025
Diabetic Neuropathy Education Initiative with Tanta University in Egypt
Egypt • University of Michigan
Launched in 2025, this research focuses on diabetes education with an emphasis on neuropathy prevention for patients receiving care at Tanta University clinics in Egypt by developing and distributing culturally tailored paper flyers and pocket cards designed to match patients’ literacy levels. Using a single-arm pre-post intervention design, the study evaluates short-term changes in diabetes knowledge, self-care behaviors, and health literacy 4-8 weeks following the intervention.
The work is led by NAAMA NextGen students at the University of Michigan in collaboration with Dr. Amro Stino, a neurologist at Michigan Medicine, and faculty partners at Tanta University.
March 2025 Achievement:
The initiative earned $3,000 in funding after placing 2nd at the Center for Global Health Equity (CGHE) Student Organization Global Health Equity Challenge, where the NAAMA NextGen team presented the project in a 10-minute pitch to 13 University of Michigan faculty members across a wide range of disciplines.
Research Team:
Student Leaders: Deena Aboul-Hassan, Sana Sharba, Ryan Jaroudi, Claudia Haouilou, Adham Adam,
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Amro Stino, Michigan Medicine
Partners: Tanta University, University of Michigan
Past Projects
Completed 2022
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Arab Americans
United States • Wayne State University
This body of work examines COVID-19 vaccine attitudes, confidence, and hesitancy within Arab American communities, with a focus on both the general population and healthcare professionals.
White House “Town Hall” Presentation:
On July 21, 2021, Dr. Rouba Ali-Fehmi, Founder and National Chair of NAAMA NextGen, represented NAAMA at the White House Town Hall titled “White House Conversation: Building Vaccine Confidence in the Arab American Community”, discussing factors influencing vaccine confidence among Arab Americans.
Research Team:
Lead: Dr. Rouba Ali-Fehmi
Partners: Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health, Karmanos Cancer Institute
Students: NAAMA NextGen members In south east Michigan
Publications
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Arab Americans (April 2022)
Completed 2021
Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Dysplasia in Arab American Women
United States • Wayne State University
This study explored cervical health and cancer screening among Arab American women, with a focus on understanding screening behaviors and the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Using clinical data from women receiving routine care at ACCESS, the research aimed to address gaps in health data for Arab American women and highlight the importance of preventive screening and early detection.
Research Team:
Lead: Dr. Rouba Ali-Fehmi
Partners: Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health
Students: NAAMA NextGen members In Southeast Michigan
Publications
Completed 2020
Obesity Prevalence in Arab American Populations
Southeastern Michigan • Wayne State University
This project examined obesity prevalence among Arab American communities in southeastern Michigan and remains one of the largest cohorts describing obesity in Arab Americans nationally. A team of 25 students conducted retrospective reviews of patient paper charts at the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), contributing to a comprehensive analysis of obesity patterns in the region.
Public Health & Community Engagement
Building on this research, NAAMA NextGen led several community-focused initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles through education on obesity, BMI, physical activity, and nutrition. In 2019, NAAMA hosted NAAMA Got Health, featuring activities such as yoga, soccer, and guided exercise sessions in local high schools, with BMI assessments offered to participants. Additional initiatives included Cycling Against Obesity, sponsored by Lifetime, and educational outreach events in collaboration with the Karmanos Cancer Institute, focusing on obesity-related cancers such as endometrial, prostate, and breast cancer. These efforts were supported by ACCESS through school-based and community programming.
Research Team:
Lead: Dr. Rouba Ali-Fehmi
Partners: Wayne State University, ACCESS
Students: NAAMA NextGen members in Southeast Michigan