Research productivity of ophthalmology residents in Saudi Arabia: A comprehensive analysis

The purpose of the study was to assess the research productivity of ophthalmology residents in Saudi Arabia and identify factors associated with significant research output.

This is a cross-sectional study of ophthalmology training programs across Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2019.

The study included 225 ophthalmology residents, with a mean number of publications of 3.25 ± 4.59 and an average h-index of 1.20 ± 1.38. Statistically significant differences were observed between training programs in the mean number of publications (P < 0.001), h-index (P < 0.001), and citations (P < 0.001). The programs with the highest mean publication counts were King Saud University (8.03 ± 8.00), King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (3.80 ± 3.87), and the Eastern program (3.07 ± 4.04). Residents pursuing subspecialty fellowships, particularly in oculoplastic surgery and cornea, exhibited higher research output. Furthermore, the mean number of publications (P < 0.001), citations (P < 0.001), and h-index (P < 0.001) were associated with attaining future academic positions. Pursuing fellowship was significantly linked to the number of publications (P = 0.009) and h-index (P = 0.012).

This study underscores the variability in research productivity among ophthalmology residents and highlights the influence of training programs, fellowship ambitions, and academic aspirations on research output.