[Gender differences in scientific publications].

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Medical Publishing
• Gender Studies

Context:

• Analysis of authorship in German-speaking otorhinolaryngology journals (Laryngorhinootologie, HNO) from 2013-2023.
• Examined 2,631 articles to assess gender distribution among first and last authors.
• Focus on the scientific publication landscape within a specific medical specialty.

Purpose:

• To investigate the representation of women in German-speaking otorhinolaryngology publications.
• To quantify the proportion of female first and last authors over a decade.
• To identify trends in gender distribution within the field's literature.

Summary:

• Women constituted 26.6% of first authors and 14.6% of last authors in a 2013-2023 analysis.
• A notable increase was observed: first authorship rose from 19.9% to 34.5%, and last authorship from 9.4% to 19.0%.
• Despite upward trends, the proportion of women in senior authorship positions remains comparatively low.

Impact:

• Highlights a growing but still limited presence of women in otorhinolaryngology authorship.
• Suggests that continued efforts are needed to enhance gender diversity in scientific publishing.
• Provides data to inform initiatives aimed at promoting women in academic otorhinolaryngology.