What Insights Can We Gain from the Scientometric Analysis of Scientific Publications Related to Multiple Sclerosis?

Abstract

Background: Bibliometrics is one of the credible methods of evaluating scientific publications and research output. This is the first study in the multiple sclerosis (MS) field that can guide researchers and policy-makers in contributing more to MS. Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis and visualization of multiple sclerosis scientific products of the 17 Middle East countries during 1900 - 2020. Methods: Data from January 1, 1900, to December 31, 2020, were searched in the Web of Science database. Research productivity was evaluated by considering the country, year, number of publications, and time trend of these publications. Co-word and co-authorship analyses were done, and top authors, journals, active institutions, and country contributions to MS research were identified. Results: Middle Eastern countries produced 5.5% of the total number of MS research worldwide. Turkey (29.18%), Iran (23.54%), and Egypt (13.066%) had the top positions. King Saud University as a research center, Baser, Kemal Husnu Can as an author, and the Multiple Sclerosis Journal as a scientific journal, respectively, with a total of 1,582 (4.26%), 360 (0.97%) and 1,172 (3.15%) publications had the highest research productivities. Conclusions: Accurate policy-making in research centers, prioritizing research topics, promoting journals, and making more international collaboration can decrease the gap in research on MS and increase its quality and quantity. Despite rising trends in research results, more strategic planning and cooperation between researchers are needed for regional advancement in the field.