1669. Trends in Authorship for Infectious Disease Research Conducted in Low-Income Countries

Abstract

BackgroundResearch capacity in low-income countries (LICs) plays an important role in strengthening national healthcare systems and addressing local health priorities. Research in infectious diseases is especially important as they comprise five of the top 10 causes of death in LICs. While academic collaborations between high-income countries (HICs) and LICs offer many benefits, they also risk structural and professional imbalances. This study explores research capacity as a function of first or last authorship and funding for research conducted in LICs that is published in high-impact infectious disease journals.MethodsA literature search using the abstract database Scopus was completed for original research conducted within LICs or using samples collected from LIC subjects published between 1998 – 2017 in Clinical Infectious Diseases, Journal of Infectious Diseases, and Open Forum Infectious Diseases. Primary outcomes included the number of LIC first and last authors compared with HIC authors over time. Secondary outcomes included the geographic distribution of research and the proportion of research financed by LICs.ResultsA total of 1380 articles were identified of which 20% had LIC first authors and 21% had first authors with dual LIC/HIC affiliations. For last authors, 13% were affiliated with a LIC and 15% had dual LIC/HIC affiliation. HIC researchers compiled the majority of first and last authors regardless of geography (Figure 1). The number of studies conducted in LICs increased over the 20-year timeframe (Figure 2) but is attributed to an increase in articles with HIC authors. The number of LIC authors remained unchanged resulting in a decreasing proportion of LIC authors. Only 4% of articles received funding from a LIC; however, 79% of these studies were authored by LIC researchers vs. 39% of studies funded by HIC sources.ConclusionThere is a growing appreciation for international HIC/LIC research collaborations with the objective to reduce the burden of infectious diseases that disproportionately affect low-income settings. However, with this increased attention comes the responsibility to improve LIC research capacity. This includes promoting LIC researchers via authorship and supporting sustainability with funding that highlights LIC priorities. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.