Bibliometric analysis of alcohol and substance use prevention research in Africa

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to give a bibliometric overview of research productivity in alcohol and substance use prevention in Africa as a response to international efforts to prevent alcohol and substance use.Methods: Original research articles authored or coauthored by investigators from African countries on alcohol and substance use prevention during the period of 2008-2018 were retrieved from Web of Science (WoS), EBSCOhost, and PubMed and reviewed. Keywords related to alcohol and substance use were used to retrieve relevant literature.Results: Our search returned 3600 hits, with 34 articles retained. Included articles were conducted in 12 countries across the five regions in Africa (Central, East, North, South, and West) and spreading over 11 years, 2008-2018. The annual published articles showed a significant rise from 2008 to 2018 with South Africa ranked number one, with a total of 9 (31%) published articles followed by Kenya 4 (13.8%). Bronwyn Myers from South Africa and Atwoli et al. from Kenya were the most prolific authors. Age and gender were the mostreported risk factors in the selected studies. The most active institutions in alcohol and substance use prevention research are The Medical Research Council of South Africa, Stellenbosch University, and Moi University.Conclusions: There were few collaborations among Africans themselves, yet these collaborations would enhance future alcohol and substance use prevention research productivity. Currently, a broad spectrum of substance use prevention interventions has beenimplemented throughout the African continent, ranging from individual to community-based interventions