Public Health · Health Equity · MENA & South Asian Women's Health

Angubeen
G. Khan

PhD, MPH

Angubeen G. Khan

My research sits at the intersection of population health and demography, gender studies, and migration — areas that have long overlooked MENA and South Asian immigrant communities. Drawing on intersectional and health equity frameworks, I examine how culture, religion, and migration compound MENA and South Asian women's vulnerabilities to gender-based violence and shape their sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Alongside this empirical work, my research informs faith-based, culturally-tailored community interventions designed to reduce health inequities and challenge the social and structural conditions that produce them.

10+
Publications
$190k+
Funded Research
6
Projects

Assistant Professor

Dept. of Health and Human Services · University of Michigan Dearborn
Faculty Affiliate
  • Women and Gender Studies Program, University of Michigan Dearborn
  • Population Dynamics and Health Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
  • Center for Global Health Equity, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
  • Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
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Areas of Inquiry

Research Focus

Using qualitative and quantitative methodologies and population-level data sources, my research centers three interconnected streams that illuminate how structural and social conditions shape the health of MENA and South Asian women.

Methodological Approaches

Qualitative research Community-Based Participatory Research Quantitative research Demographic surveys Mixed-methods designs
01
Health Consequences of Gender-Based Violence

Examines how social and cultural norms, religion, and community structures shape the prevalence, experience, and health consequences of gender-based violence in MENA and South Asian communities. This work has explored the role of intimate partner violence on reproductive agency among MENA women. Emerging research extends this focus to the digital realm, investigating how rapidly evolving technologies are producing new forms of gender-based violence and their health consequences for men and women in Pakistan.

IPVReproductive CoercionTech-Facilitated GBVArab AmericansPakistan
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Health Consequences of Gender-Based Violence
2025Khan, A.G., Cruz, J., Elabed, L., Makki, M., Tariq, M., & Kusunoki, Y. Examining Family Violence and Reproductive Autonomy Among Arab American Women in Dearborn, Michigan. Journal of Women's Health, 34(7), 953–962. PubMed ↗
2021Khan, A., Eid, N., Baddah, L., Elabed, L., Makki, M., Tariq, M., King, E., & Kusunoki, Y. A Qualitative Study of Arab American Perspectives on Intimate Partner Violence in Dearborn, Michigan. Violence Against Women. PubMed ↗
2019Gultekin, L., Kusunoki, Y., Sinko, L., Cannon, L., Abramoski, K., Khan, A.G., & Seng, J. The Eco‐Social Trauma Intervention Model. Public Health Nursing. PubMed ↗
← Click to flip back
02
Social & Structural Determinants of Sexual and Reproductive Health

Investigates how social and structural factors — including culture, healthcare access, and immigration status — shape sexual and reproductive health outcomes among MENA and South Asian women. Topics include fertility and pregnancy intentions, reproductive coercion and autonomy, and contraceptive use and method choice.

ContraceptionReproductive AutonomyMENA
Click to see publications →
Social & Structural Determinants of SRH
2026Woofter, R., Khan, A., & Sudhinaraset, M. (2026). Fertility intentions among undocumented immigrants: exploratory results from a mixed-methods survey in California. Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 101209.
2022Khan, A.G., Tavrow, P., & Adamu, F. Does girls' empowerment predict family planning intentions? Evidence from secondary school girls in Northwest Nigeria. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters. PubMed ↗
2021Mukherjee, T., Khan, A., Dasgupta, A., & Samari, G. Reproductive justice during COVID-19: a systematic review of the indirect impacts of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health. BMC Reproductive Health. PubMed ↗
ReviewKhan, A.G., Sudhinaraset, M., Kusunoki, Y., & Gipson, J. Citizenship status and contraceptive use among Latinx and Asian women in California. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. Under Review
ReviewSudhinaraset, M., Khan, A.G., Ling, I., & Choi, H.Y. The Sexual and Reproductive Health of Undocumented Asians and Latinx in California. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. Under Review
ReviewAljilehawi, Z., Khan, A.G., Tariq, M., Makki, M., & Kusunoki, Y. Perspectives on Reproductive Autonomy Among Arab American Women in Southeast Michigan. Under Review
ReviewKhan, A.G., Abdelnabi, S., Tariq, M., Makki, M., & Kusunoki, Y. Sexual and Reproductive Health of Arab American Women in Southeast Michigan — Findings From A Pilot Needs Assessment. Under Review
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03
Immigrant Health Equity

Explores how migration context — spousal migration, documentation status, neighborhood ethnic composition, and structural marginalization — shapes women's empowerment, maternal health, psychosocial wellbeing, and access to care. This stream also examines disparities in cancer screening among MENA and South Asian immigrant women, drawing on population-level data to surface structural inequities in preventive care access across the life course.

Out-MigrationMaternal HealthCancerUndocumentedNeighborhood ContextBangladeshWomen's Empowerment
Click to see publications →
Immigrant Health Equity
2024West, H., Khan, A., Razzaque, A., & Kuhn, R. Migration, Gender, and Families: The Effects of Spousal Migration on Women's Empowerment. Demography, 61(3), 769–795. PubMed ↗
2023Khan, A.G., West, H., Razzaque, A., & Kuhn, R. The effects of spousal migration on perinatal healthcare utilization. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 23(1), 1–12. PubMed ↗
2020Wallace, S., Khan, A.G., & del Pino, H.E. Health and Social Service Implications of a Census Undercount in Los Angeles. UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. (Policy Brief) View ↗
ReviewKhan, A.G., Kuhn, R., Zhou, M., Sudhinaraset, M., & Gipson, J. Using an ethnic neighborhood typology to assess health access among MENA foreign-born in California. Journal of Migration and Health. Under Review
← Click to flip back

Work in Progress

Projects

Current

Current
Technology-Based GBV Among University Students in Karachi, Pakistan

A mixed-methods exploratory study of prevalence, consequences, and social attitudes toward technology-based forms of gender-based violence across two university campuses. Role: Co-Investigator.

$97,056Center for Global Health Equity · University of Michigan
Current
Relationship Quality and Psychosocial Health of Arab Americans in Metro Detroit

Secondary data analysis assessing spousal relationship quality on psychosocial health outcomes including depression and life satisfaction. Role: Principal Investigator.

PI
Current
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among MENA and South Asian Women in the U.S.

Secondary data analysis of cancer screening and incidence using the National Health Interview Survey. Role: Principal Investigator.

$6,200UM Population Studies Center

Past

Past
MENA and South Asian American Neighborhood Contexts and Health

Secondary data analysis of the American Community Survey on neighborhood context and health insurance status. Role: Principal Investigator.

$31,200CA Center for Population Research
Past
Citizenship Status and Contraceptive Use Among Latina and Asian Immigrants in California

Examination of citizenship status and race/ethnicity on contraceptive method use using the California Health Interview Survey. Role: Principal Investigator.

$7,500Society of Family Planning
Past
The BRAVE Study: Raising Voices. Raising Health.

Understanding social networks and health needs of undocumented Asian and Pacific Islander public college students in California. PI: Dr. May Sudhinaraset. Role: Research Assistant.

RAUCLA
Past
Migration and Health of "Left-Behind" Women in Bangladesh

Effects of spousal migration on perinatal healthcare utilization of Bangladeshi women. PI: Dr. Randall Kuhn. Role: Research Assistant.

$6,000UCLA Graduate Division
Past
Arab American Women's Reproductive Health Project

Mixed-methods study of prevalence and consequences of intimate partner violence and reproductive coercion in an Arab American community in Michigan. Role: Project Coordinator / Graduate Student Investigator.

$48,844MICHR · UM Islamic Studies · UM CEW

Scholarship

Publications

Health Consequences of Gender-Based Violence
2025
Khan, A.G., Cruz, J., Elabed, L., Makki, M., Tariq, M., & Kusunoki, Y. Examining Family Violence and Reproductive Autonomy Among Arab American Women in Dearborn, Michigan.Journal of Women's Health, 34(7), 953–962PubMed ↗
2021
Khan, A., Eid, N., Baddah, L., Elabed, L., Makki, M., Tariq, M., King, E., & Kusunoki, Y. A Qualitative Study of Arab American Perspectives on Intimate Partner Violence in Dearborn, Michigan.Violence Against WomenPubMed ↗
2019
Gultekin, L., Kusunoki, Y., Sinko, L., Cannon, L., Abramoski, K., Khan, A.G., & Seng, J. The Eco‐Social Trauma Intervention Model.Public Health NursingPubMed ↗
Social & Structural Determinants of Sexual and Reproductive Health
2026
Woofter, R., Khan, A., & Sudhinaraset, M. (2026). Fertility intentions among undocumented immigrants: exploratory results from a mixed-methods survey in California.Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 101209
2022
Khan, A.G., Tavrow, P., & Adamu, F. Does girls' empowerment predict family planning intentions? Evidence from secondary school girls in Northwest Nigeria.Sexual and Reproductive Health MattersPubMed ↗
2021
Mukherjee, T., Khan, A., Dasgupta, A., & Samari, G. Reproductive justice during COVID-19: a systematic review of the indirect impacts of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health.BMC Reproductive HealthPubMed ↗
Review
Khan, A.G., Sudhinaraset, M., Kusunoki, Y., & Gipson, J. Citizenship status and contraceptive use among Latinx and Asian women in California.Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health Under Review
Review
Sudhinaraset, M., Khan, A.G., Ling, I., & Choi, H.Y. The Sexual and Reproductive Health of Undocumented Asians and Latinx in California.Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health Under Review
Review
Aljilehawi, Z., Khan, A.G., Tariq, M., Makki, M., & Kusunoki, Y. Perspectives on Reproductive Autonomy Among Arab American Women in Southeast Michigan. Under Review
Review
Khan, A.G., Abdelnabi, S., Tariq, M., Makki, M., & Kusunoki, Y. Sexual and Reproductive Health of Arab American Women in Southeast Michigan — Findings From A Pilot Needs Assessment. Under Review
Immigrant Health Equity
2024
West, H., Khan, A., Razzaque, A., & Kuhn, R. Migration, Gender, and Families: The Effects of Spousal Migration on Women's Empowerment.Demography, 61(3), 769–795PubMed ↗
2023
Khan, A.G., West, H., Razzaque, A., & Kuhn, R. The effects of spousal migration on perinatal healthcare utilization.BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 23(1), 1–12PubMed ↗
2020
Wallace, S., Khan, A.G., & del Pino, H.E. Health and Social Service Implications of a Census Undercount in Los Angeles. Policy BriefUCLA Center for Health Policy ResearchView ↗
Review
Khan, A.G., Kuhn, R., Zhou, M., Sudhinaraset, M., & Gipson, J. Using an ethnic neighborhood typology to assess health access among MENA foreign-born in California.Journal of Migration and Health Under Review

Background

Education & Training

2024–2025
NIA T32 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
2024
PhD, Community Health Sciences
University of California, Los Angeles
2017
MPH
University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
2015
BA, International Studies
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Pedagogy

Teaching

Courses
HHS 330: Health Behavior Theory
University of Michigan Dearborn
2025
HHS 406: Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation
University of Michigan Dearborn
2025
CHS 211A/B: Program Planning & Evaluation I & II
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health (Graduate)
2020–21
CHS 210: Introduction to Community Health Sciences
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health (Graduate)
2020
CHS 48: Nutrition and Food Studies
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
2019

★ UCLA Community Health Sciences Best Teaching Assistant Award, 2021

Mentorship
Thesis Advisor
Boston University School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Masters Program
2026–27
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program
University of Michigan Dearborn · Research Mentor
2026
Grad 2 Grad Strive Program
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health · Doctoral Mentor
2022–23
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor · Research Mentor
2017–18, 2024–25
Masters Capstone Committee Member
Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University
2017–18

Press & Public Engagement

In Media

Blog Post
The Center for Arab Narratives

Community Perspectives on Intimate Partner Violence

Angubeen Khan & Zena Aljilehawi · July 14, 2025

Family is the foundation of our local Arabic communities — yet even our communities are not immune to the global pandemic of intimate partner violence. This post shares community perspectives and research findings on IPV among Arab American women in Dearborn, Michigan.

Read post →
Social Media
Instagram

Art-Based Campaign on Intimate Partner Violence & Arab American Women's Health

2025

An art-based social media campaign amplifying community perspectives on relationship dynamics and Arab American women's reproductive health — translating research findings into accessible public engagement.

View post →
Grant Award Listing
Society of Family Planning

An Examination of Legal Status and Race/Ethnicity on Type of Contraceptive Method Use Among Immigrant Women in California

Emerging Scholars Program · SFPRF15-ES9

Awarded grant examining how legal status and race/ethnicity shape contraceptive method use among immigrant women in California — featured in the Society of Family Planning's awarded grants directory.

View award →
News Feature
Center for Global Health Equity, University of Michigan

CGHE Launches Linkage Committee to Strengthen Campus-Wide Collaboration

2026

Featured as a member of the newly launched CGHE Linkage Committee, which formalizes and deepens connections between the Center for Global Health Equity and partners across University of Michigan's schools, colleges, and units.

Read more →
Social Media
LinkedIn

Community Engagement in Action: HHS 406

2025

Last week, students in Assistant Professor Angubeen G. Khan, PhD, MPH HHS 406: Program Evaluation had the opportunity to hear directly from local community partners as they shared real-world challenges and project opportunities. This event is a powerful example of community-engaged learning, where students gain hands-on experience while supporting meaningful community impact.

View post →
Press Release
UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

Census Undercount of Latinos Could Cost L.A. Dearly in Funds for Critical Health and Social Services

Wallace, Khan & del Pino · March 26, 2020

UCLA study finds county programs could lose up to $586 million in federal funding. Researchers warn that a Latino undercount in the census could devastate key public programs — including SNAP, Head Start, and Section 8 housing — that low-income and immigrant communities in Los Angeles depend on.

Read press release →

Get in Touch

Contact

I welcome inquiries from prospective students, collaborators, and colleagues working at the intersection of public health, gender equity, and immigrant health.

angukhan@umich.edu

Department of Health and Human Services · University of Michigan Dearborn