J Korean Med Sci.  2019 Mar;34(11):e95. 10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e95.

A Bibliometric Analysis on Tuberculosis Research of Korea from 1979 to 2017

• Lee HW
• Yim JJ

• KMID: 2441928
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e95

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates of tuberculosis (TB) have declined steadily in Korea since 1965. This study aimed to identify the characteristics and provide quantitative analysis of published medical literatures on TB written by researchers based in Korea.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature search via the Web of Science database for articles in Science Citation Index (Expanded) journals, on TB, and published by researchers based in Korea, from inception to 2017. All articles were analyzed by publication year, publishing journal, article type, study design, research institutes, and research funds.
RESULTS
During the study period, we identified 1,101 articles and included them for analysis. The first was published in 1979, while 105 were published in 2017. Between 1979 and 2017, the compound annual growth rate of TB articles by researchers based in Korea was 13.0%. Among 1,101 articles, 682 (61.9%) were clinical research and 383 (34.8%) were basic research. Studies with cross-sectional design were the most common type among the clinical research, while biochemistry was the most common field among the basic research. The number of articles dealing with diagnostics or treatment has increased significantly, although the number of articles on vaccines, and on operational and public health, has only a slight increase. The Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea funded studies yielding 178 (20.1%) articles.
CONCLUSION
Articles on TB, especially those on clinical aspects, and published by researchers based in Korea have been increasing rapidly since 1979.

Keyword

Bibliometric Analysis; Tuberculosis; Research Design; Research Subjects; Journal Impact Factor; Publications

MeSH Terms

Academies and Institutes
Bibliometrics*
Biochemistry
Financial Management
Humans
Incidence
Journal Impact Factor
Korea*
Mortality
Prevalence
Public Health
Publications
Research Design
Research Subjects
Tuberculosis*
Vaccines
Vaccines