Do Indian researchers read Indian research? A reappraisal, four years later

A previous study found that many papers in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry (UP) had failed to reference relevant papers previously published in the same journal. The present study examined whether any change in referencing patterns had occurred The database comprised 182 eligible articles published in the UP during 1993-1996. In general, few articles cited previous UP papers (median citations, 0-1); however, few articles omitted to cite previous (relevant) UP research (median omissions, 0-1). The average number of articles cited: omitted was 2:1. Original articles cited as well as omitted more UP references than brief communications. The larger the number of total references cited, the larger was the number of UP references both cited and omitted. No significant changes in referencing patterns was evident across the years. Indexing of articles, an important method of identifying relevant, previously published research was grossly adequate in 89% of articles; the average article received 2 index entries. While UP papers appear to be receiving greater attention, it is suggested that room for improvement remains.