Gender disparities in pediatric research: a descriptive bibliometric study on scientific authorships
Publication type
journal article
Publication date
2022
Author(s)
Böhme, K.
Klingelhöfer, D.
Groneberg, D.A.
Bendels, M.H.K.
Language
English
Discipline(s)
Abstract
Background: The proportion of women in medicine, especially in pediatrics, is noticeably increasing. Yet, leadership positions are predominantly occupied by men. Methods: Academic authorships of 156,642 pediatric original research articles were analyzed with regard to gender disparities. The evaluation included the proportion of female authorships (FAP), distributions over first-, co- and last-authorships, gender-related citation rates, a productivity analysis and investigations on journals, countries and pediatric sub-disciplines. Results: In all, 46.6% of all authorships in pediatric research were held by female authors. Women held relatively more first-authorships (FAP = 52%) and had higher odds for first- (OR = 1.3) and co- (OR = 1.11) authorships, compared to men. The Prestige Index of −0.13 indicated an underrepresentation of female authors at prestigious first- and last-authorships. Citation rates were not affected by the gender of the key authors. At the country-level pronounced gender-related differences were detected. The time trend showed increasing female prospects forecasting a female-dominated Prestige Index of 0.05 in 2023. Conclusion: The integration of women in pediatric research has advanced. Opportunities for female authors differ at the country-level, but overall women are lacking in leadership positions. Improving career opportunities for women in pediatric research can be expected in the coming years. Impact: There is a measurable progress in the integration of female scientists.Gender-neutrality is partially achieved in pediatric research with yet a female underrepresentation in leading positions.Our descriptive study presents gender-related dynamics in pediatric research that forecast improving career opportunities for female scientists. © 2022, The Author(s).
Journal
Pediatric Research
ISSN
0031-3998
Volume
92
Issue
1
Pagination
80-90