Research Trends in Amish Population Health, a Growing Literature about a Growing Rural Population

Area of Science:

• Population Health
• Bibliometrics
• Sociology

Background:

• The Amish, a rapidly growing endogamous rural population, are a focus for health research.
• Approximately 25% of Amish studies publications concern population health (n=246).
• A review of research trends is timely to guide future studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the genealogy, influence, and configuration of Amish health publications using bibliometric measures.
• To identify research trends and interdisciplinary opportunities in Amish population health.
• To provide a foundational bibliometric mapping for researchers in the field.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of Amish health publications.
• Mapping publication genealogy, influence, and configuration.
• Identifying clusters related to health culture and health conditions.

Main Results:

• Amish population health research features a core focused on health culture, with social science and health practice clusters.
• Peripheral clusters address specific health conditions: mental, physical, and injury/safety.
• Several clusters bridge the gap between health culture and health conditions.

Conclusions:

• The research identifies key areas and interconnections within Amish population health studies.
• Researchers are encouraged to integrate studies on health culture and health conditions.
• This bibliometric mapping serves as a crucial resource for navigating and advancing Amish health research.