Infectious disease research in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region: a scientometric analysis
10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0058
- Author:
Joseph Christian OBNIAL
1
;
Catherine Joy ESCUADRA
;
Adriana Viola MIRANDA
;
Don Eliseo LUCERO-PRISNO
Author Information
1. National Coalition of Independent Scholars, Battleboro, VT, USA
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2024;15(4):329-339
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:This study compared the research output of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to understand research trends and clarify past, present, and future patterns using scientometric techniques.
Methods:This scientometric study systematically mined health and social science publications from the Web of Science and Scopus databases using keywords associated with infectious disease. The analysis included only English-language articles and review articles by authors from any ASEAN country. Publication, citation, and text co-occurrence network analyses were performed. R Studio and VOSviewer enabled data management, analysis, and visualization.
Results:Searches identified 12,511 articles published between 1925 and 2022, with a notable increase in research publications since 2003. The leading journals on infectious disease wereassociated with established publishing houses, including BMC, BMJ, and The Lancet. The most-cited articles were primarily global burden of disease studies, with 7,367 citations. Among ASEAN countries, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore had the most publications and collaborative effortson the topic. Analysis of keyword co-occurrence revealed clusters related to global health, dengue, bacterial studies, non-dengue viral topics, and diagnostics. Most early studies examined diagnostics, gene and sequencing methodologies, and virology; later, the focus shifted toward herbal and alternative medicine.
Conclusion:Recently, the research capacity of Southeast Asia has expanded dramatically, with substantial contributions from high-income countries. Intense cooperation between member states is essential, emphasizing the role of HICs in supporting their neighbors. Increased research efforts and collaboration must be dedicated to innovative approaches to combat persistent health conditions, along with emerging issues like climate change.
