Collaboration Networks, Trends, and Scientific Impact in Avoidable Mortality Research (2000-2024): A Bibliometric...

This study is aimed at conducting a bibliometric analysis of avoidable mortality from 2000 to 2024 to identify collaboration networks, research trends, and scientific impact in this field.

A bibliometric, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted using the Scopus Advanced Search interface, controlled vocabulary related to avoidable mortality, and Boolean operators ("AND" and "OR"). Analyses were performed in R (v4.3.1) using the bibliometrix/biblioshiny package and included indicators of publication volume, fractional authorship, total normalized citations, citation counts, and the h-, g-, and m-indexes. International collaboration was assessed using coauthorship indicators and collaboration networks. Bradford's law was applied to identify core journals. In addition, keyword co-occurrence networks and thematic temporal evolution were examined to characterize research fronts and shifts over time.

A total of 3031 documents from 1450 journals were retrieved, with an annual growth rate of 9%. On average, articles received 27.8 citations, totaling approximately 84,000 citations overall. Authors had an average of 5.2 coauthors per article, and 244 single-authored papers were identified. International coauthorship accounted for 23.8% of publications. The United States and the United Kingdom published most frequently in PLOS ONE and BMJ Open. Coauthorship networks revealed weak intergroup connections, with international collaboration concentrated along the US-Western Europe axis. Brazil and South Africa emerged as key regional nodes in the Global South. The thematic focus evolved from prevention- and health-service-related topics to population profiles and injury, and more recently to COVID-19-related terminology and pregnancy.

This bibliometric analysis demonstrates a rising interest in avoidable mortality, reflected in increased scientific output and limited intergroup connectivity within international collaboration networks. Only a limited number of authors consistently contribute impactful research in both general and specialized journals. These findings highlight the importance of fostering collaborative, high-quality translational research to inform public policy and address the regional determinants of avoidable mortality, particularly in the Global South.