90. Khader, N. R. Socio-economic and Health Profile of the Palestinian Arab Inhabitants of the Old City of Jerusalem. Jerusalem: Society for Austro-Arab Relations, 1996: 92 pp.

This report presents a survey of the socio-economic, environmental and demographic status of the Palestinians in the Old City of Jerusalem. Health care services, housing conditions, morbidity and women’s health issues were studied using a combination of structured interviews and focus group discussions. The survey’s aim is to inform a plan for revitalizing the Old City. Overcrowded conditions were noted with an average of 6.352 persons per household and 2.452 persons per room. One fifth of the houses were considered unfit for habitation and more than half were situated in unhygienic environmental conditions. Chronic diseases were prevalent, particularly diabetes. In respect to women’s health issues, about half of the ever-married women were married before the age of sixteen. On average, women were found to bear 5.4 live children in their life time. The majority of women never had a breast examination or a pap-smear. Forty-four percent of both males and females had dropped out of school before finishing the Tawjihi. More than two thirds of the labor force consisted of skilled and unskilled workers. The unemployment rate was found to be 18 percent. Relevant recommendations were made in the areas of physical infrastructure, health care and social welfare.