A scientometric analysis of HIV/AIDS research in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Objective: This is a scientometric study based on the analysis of the evolution of the literature on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) in all its aspects in the specific context of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 2007 to 2022. Methodology: This is a scientometric study. The data analyzed as part of this study are articles published on HIV/AIDS in the period from 2007 to 2022 in the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The following parameters were analyzed: years of publication, authors and their relationships, affiliations, journals of publications, the language of publications, keywords, association of publishing institutions, countries of publication and their relationship. Excel software and VOSViewer were used for data processing. Results: The study involved 56 articles published in several journals worldwide. The University of Kinshasa, the University of Lubumbashi and the National Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Program are the most important institutions in term of the number of articles. Five journals published more than one article. Some authors were identified as relevant because they were mentioned in more than one article, including Mandina, Mukuku, Situakibanza, Luboya and Amaele, while Situakibanza, followed by Mandina and Mukuku are those who have published more than other authors. In terms of contry's contributions, two contries were identified as more productive: the DR Cong in first place, followed by the United Stateds of America (USA). The keywords that were more mentioned are HIV/AIDS and DR Congo. Conclusion: In the last ten years, a development in HIV/AIDS research in DR Congo can be observed. Motivation of the study: It is essential to evaluate the evolution of research on HIV / AIDS (a formidable disease that is an endemic of international renown) in the specific context of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Main results: Several publications on HIV/AIDS were identified with strong collaboration between authors, countries and authors' affiliations. The DR Congo and the USA were the countries that participated most in the publications identified. Implication: This study will give future researchers an overview of existing research and emerging themes in HIV/AIDS in the Democratic Republic of Congo.