2982 Gastroenterology Journal Prestige and Impact: Analysis of Journal Rankings

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Scientific research is critical to the progression of the field of gastroenterology. Journals are given impact factor ratings annually to determine the utilization and citation of their published articles. The rankings of gastroenterology journals have not been investigated. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of gastroenterology journals from 2010 to 2017. Ranking scores from the SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) indicator, a composite score of impact factor, prestige, and closeness of citing articles. The top twenty journals in gastroenterology and hepatology were included and compared to the top ten journals in cardiovascular disease, general internal medicine, and general surgery. RESULTS: The number of gastroenterology journals increased from 134 to 143 in this time period. The top ten journals were Gastroenterology, Gut, Journal of Hepatology, American Journal of Gastroenterology, Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Liver Cancer, Natural Clinical Practice Gastroenterology, Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology, and Journal Crohn’s and Colitis. Gastroenterology rankings increased from an average of 2.61 to 4.82 (185% increase), compared to a 322% increase and 254% increase in cardiovascular disease and general internal medicine, respectively. The percentage increase per year was significantly lower than similar increase in cardiovascular disease and general internal medicine journals (P < 0.05 for all years). CONCLUSION: Gastroenterology journals lag in citation and prestige compared to other major internal medicine fields. The reasons for this diminished impact should be investigated, and journals should explore mechanisms to disseminate research effectively and improve outreach.