Researchers: Rasmiya Abu Rabia^1,2, Ilya Kagan², Tova Hendel²

Background: Following social and cultural developments, an increase in chronic morbidity has been observed among Bedouin women. Despite the importance of maintaining healthy behaviors and concerning their impact on the quality of life and well-being of Bedouin women, research in this population, especially in the fertile age, is limited.

Objectives: This study aimed: a) to describe health behaviors, health services utilization, quality of life, and life satisfaction, identifying gaps and major barriers in implementation and maintenance of these concerns, and b) to examine the relationships between background characteristics, health behaviors, health services utilization, quality of life, and life satisfaction among Bedouin women aged 18-55.

Method: The research design utilized mixed methods. In the qualitative stage, two focus groups (n=44) were conducted, aimed at formulating the final version of the questionnaire for the second stage. In the quantitative stage, 728 Bedouin women aged 18-55, who live in the Negev, underwent a personal interview following a structured questionnaire.

Findings: The findings demonstrated many difficulties and barriers regarding health promotion, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consumption of health services among Bedouin women in the Negev. The quantitative findings indicated lacks in awareness and adherence to regular physical activity, low rankings for nutritional habits, performing screening tests and diagnoses for early detection of diseases, regular medical follow-up, and challenges in preventive medicine. The qualitative findings illustrated the barriers to health service accessibility in the, especially among women living in unrecognized villages. Particularly notable were systemic barriers related to poor municipal infrastructure, lack of development and service provision, along with social and cultural barriers stemming from the status of women in the Bedouin sector.

Recommendations: The research findings emphasize the importance of continuing efforts to reduce gaps and provide equitable health services, as well as to promote a healthy lifestyle and health behaviors among Bedouin women in the Negev.

Research end date: 01/2023