ABS 120: Neurological Health Disparities in the Middle East

Rebecca Abraham ¹ , Joyce Riad ¹

¹ The College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Pennsylvania

Van Wickle (2025) Volume 1, ABS 120

Introduction: Although the Middle East is known to be one of the most populated regions with about
371 million in population. Compared to regions such as the United States, the Middle East grows more and more at a disadvantage when it comes to quality medical care. The believed burden of neurological disorders increases as the population grows and ages in the Middle East. Nearly three-quarters of the global burden of neurological disorders has been reported in the low and middle-income countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Therefore, this study hopes to address the burden of neurological disorders, epidemiological features, and health disparities that are throughout the Middle East limiting quality care to those suffering from neurological disorders. For many years in the Middle East, the belief of having neurological disorders has been associated with a serious negative connotation. This study is relevant in the context of bringing to the attention of others the seriousness of the neglect people with neurological disorders receive in many Middle Eastern countries. The rationale that will be used for this study is to analyze secondary studies to collect and put together relevant information on neurological health disparities in the Middle East that might not be currently acknowledged. Gaps within the lack of quality care, technology, resources, and medical procedures will be analyzed to further understand the extent of how severe this health disparity is in the Middle East specifically. The objective of this study is to ensure that a good implementation or path towards advocacy for the health disparity is produced. Ensuring that patients in the Middle East are receiving the needed quality care for their neurological struggles. 

Methods: This research employed a qualitative systematic review methodology, analyzing a curated set of peer-reviewed secondary sources on neurological health in the Middle East. Sources were selected based on relevance, credibility, and coverage of key themes: access to care, healthcare quality, available technologies, and sociocultural stigma. The review process followed four steps: identifying and collecting literature, evaluating source quality, extracting key findings, and synthesizing results. The goals of this study were to assess disparities in healthcare infrastructure, determine the availability of advanced neurological procedures, and evaluate cultural barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Comparative analysis with systems in the United States helped contextualize gaps in care. Due to geographic limitations, original field data collection was not possible; instead, the study relied on triangulating findings across multiple international sources to ensure depth and accuracy.

Results: We found that neurological health disparities in the Middle East are driven by a lack of technological infrastructure, shortage of specialized professionals, and the persistence of social stigma. Countries like Israel, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have made notable progress through financial investment and partnerships. However, most of the region continues to suffer from underdiagnosis, outdated practices, and inadequate access to diagnostic equipment. Cultural attitudes surrounding neurological illness remain a significant barrier to seeking care, further exacerbating patient outcomes.

Discussion: Our findings reveal an urgent need to prioritize neurological care across Middle Eastern healthcare systems. Investment in advanced diagnostic equipment, medical education, and stigma-reduction campaigns could substantially improve health outcomes. Collaborative policy-making with international support may aid under-resourced regions in closing the gap. Future research should incorporate regional field data and explore community-specific interventions. Overall, this study advocates for a more equitable distribution of neurological care resources and emphasizes that culturally competent approaches are essential in shaping a responsive healthcare future for the Middle East.