Gender Disparity of First Authors in Review Article Publications Related to Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe psychotic condition that can be diagnosed when certain symptoms, such as disorganized speech, disorganized thoughts, or negative feelings, are present for at least six months in a person's life. Gender equity and representation in academic writing are significant issues that have received more attention recently. Understanding the gender discrepancies in authorship can help researchers studying schizophrenia overcome obstacles and potential biases. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of gender discrepancy among initial authors of articles that focused on schizophrenia and to identify potential causes of such inequalities. A bibliometric analysis of articles related to schizophrenia published from 2019 to 2022 was conducted. The authors' genders were determined through available public records and professional affiliations. The analysis included assessing the proportion of male and female first authors and examining trends over time. A total of 982 articles were included in the analysis. The results revealed a significant gender disparity in first authorship, with a higher representation of male first authors (546, 55.6%) compared to female first authors (436, 44.4%). There is a significant increase in the percentage of female authors from 2019 to 2022 (i.e., from 25% to 48.5%). The number of female and male authors is predicted to remain at a constant from 2023 to 2027, with male authors at 175 and female authors at slightly above 150. The findings of this study underscore the need for continued efforts to address gender imbalances in academic publishing and promote gender equity in the field of schizophrenia research. Recognizing and rectifying these disparities can contribute to a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.