Trends in global health research among universities in China: a bibliometric analysis

Rise of Asian research in orthopaedic and sports medicine: a bibliometric analysis from 1996 to 2022

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the growth and impact of orthopaedic and sports medicine (OSM) publications across 30 Asian countries from 1996 to 2022 using a bibliometric (scientometric) approach. Despite Asia's rising academic achievements, prior studies have not comprehensively mapped publication trends in this field across the region. This analysis aims to perform bibliometric analysis in OSM research in the Asian Countries.

METHODS

Publication data were sourced from the SCImago Journal & Country Rank portal, derived from the SCOPUS database, covering the period from 1996 to 2022, with updates available until April 2023. The analysis focused on the top Asian countries and included key indicators such as H-index and total citations to assess research impact.

RESULTS

The study identified a substantial rise in OSM publications from Asia, with total output increasing 14.27-fold-compared to a 5.54-fold increase globally. Between 1996 and 2022, 111,342 OSM publications originated from Asian countries, out of 666,847 globally. However, citation counts for Asian research declined from 26,263 in 1996 to 6020 in 2022, likely reflecting the time-lag effect in citation accumulation for recent publications. Possible contributing factors are discussed.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a remarkable surge in orthopaedic and sports medicine publications from Asia, surpassing global growth trends. While citation metrics appear lower in recent years-likely due to the recency of publications-the overall trend suggests a strong and growing research in Asia. China and Japan lead in output and impact, respectively, while India's rapid rise reflects increasing academic potential. However, enhancing research quality and visibility and reducing self-citation are essential to elevate global impact. Countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Sri Lanka demonstrate high citation efficiency. With optimal collaboration and strategic investment, Asian countries are well positioned to play a leading role in global orthopaedic research.

Cancer control collaborations between China and African countries

Over the past decade, China has emerged as Africa's largest trade partner and source of foreign direct investment, with public health ranked as a top priority in China-Africa collaborations. During the same period, cancer has emerged as a leading cause of death in Africa, with more than 700 000 deaths per year and projections of more than 1 million deaths per year by 2030. In this Review, we explore the effects of increasing China-Africa collaborations on cancer control in Africa. We review the published literature on health-care assistance, research, education and training, and infrastructure and present the results of an institutional review board-approved survey of African oncology health-care professionals and institutional leaders that assessed their perception of the effects of China-Africa collaborations. From peer-reviewed articles and grey literature, we found that the number of China-Africa collaborations have grown substantially over the past decade in different areas, especially in patient care and infrastructure. Research publications have also surged in quantity in the past decade compared with previous years. However, the survey results suggest research collaborations remain infrequent and that medical professionals in African cancer centres rarely participate in direct research collaborations with Chinese institutions. The Review also highlights the challenges and benefits of increasing China-Africa collaborations. Challenges include insufficient monitoring and evaluation of the projects in Africa and poor coordination and alignment of the various initiatives. The benefits of these collaborations for Africa include improved health outcomes, strengthened health systems, and socioeconomic development. Benefits are also apparent for China, such as securing energy and resource supplies, expanded trade and investment opportunities, and improved diplomatic relations. Overall, China-Africa collaborations are increasing and having a substantial effect in both China and the African continent. Recommendations to minimise the challenges and maximise the benefits for more positive consequences on cancer control in Africa are discussed.

The implications of decolonization on China's academic global health: a dialogue with Stephen Gloyd at the Luhu Global Health Salon

The call for decolonization in global health is growing alongside China's increasing involvement in the field. This perspective paper presents and extends with a further literature review of a dialogue with Stephen Gloyd, a global health professor from the University of Washington, conducted in July 2022 at the Luhu Global Health Salon. Drawing from Gloyd's four decades of experiences in low- and middle-income countries, as well as his role in creating the University of Washington's global health department, the doctoral program in implementation science, and the non-governmental organization, Health Alliance International, this paper delves into the concept of decolonization in global health and explores how Chinese universities can expand their participation in global health while striving for equity and justice. Focusing on China's academic global health research, education, and practice, the paper proposes specific recommendations for building an equity-focused global health curriculum, addressing power imbalances and inequalities in university-affiliated organizations, and strengthening South-South cooperation in practice. The paper offers implications for Chinese universities on expanding future global health cooperation, promoting global health governance, and avoiding recolonization.