Engaging adolescents in sexual and reproductive health research in the Arab Middle East: a qualitative study of researchers' perspectives

Adolescents and young people aged 10-19 years face numerous sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, yet in countries within the Arab Middle East their participation in SRH research remains limited due to sociocultural sensitivities. This study explored researchers' perceptions of factors influencing adolescents' recruitment and engagement in SRH research. An exploratory qualitative study design was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 researchers from eight Arab Middle Eastern countries who had investigated SRH issues involving adolescents. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated into English when conducted in Arabic. Two authors independently coded the interviews and reached consensus on codes and themes. We identified two major themes: (1) challenges in Conducting SRH Research and (2) strategies to overcome challenges. Subthemes included navigating taboos and cultural norms, recruitment challenges, difficulties obtaining ethics approval and securing informed consent. Researchers emphasised that restrictive sociocultural contexts often led to gatekeeping by parents, institutions and ethics committees. These findings show how deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs continue to stigmatise discussion about sexuality, creating barriers to adolescent participation in SRH research. Addressing these challenges requires the use of culturally sensitive approaches, collaboration with community stakeholders and enhancing awareness by research ethics committees.