Comparing the gender diversity and affiliation trends of the authors for two orthopaedics journals from the Arab world

Abstract

Objectives Authorship trends, female authors' contributions, and the collaboration among institutions have been a concern in the medical field. This study primarily aims to report and compare the number of authors per article and the prevalence of female authors by comparing two orthopaedics journals from the Arab world. The secondary objective of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of the authors' affiliations and the pattern in institutions' collaborations and contributions to the published articles. Methods This cross-sectional study reviewed all articles (until July 2020) published in the Archives of the Egyptian Orthopaedic Journal (EOJ) (the official journal of the Egyptian Orthopaedic Association) and the Journal of Musculoskeletal Surgery and Research (JMSR) (the official journal of the Saudi Orthopaedic Association). Results We evaluated 383 and 122 articles from the EOJ and JMSR, respectively. The average number of authors per article was significantly higher for JMSR (4.3 ± 1.7) than EOJ (2.0 ± 1.0); p = 0.000. There was a significantly larger number of contributions by female authors in JMSR (75, 14.2%) than EOJ (2, 0.3%); p = 0.000. The average number of institutions per article was significantly larger for JMSR (2.1 ± 1.2) than EOJ (1.1 ± 0.3); p = 0.000. For the JMSR, the incidence of national institutions' cooperation (27.9%) and international institutions' contributions (53.3%) were significantly higher than their counterparts for the EOJ—6% and 4.7%, respectively; p = 0.000. Conclusion The JMSR showed superiority regarding the number of authors per article and the prevalence of female authors. The incidence of national institutions' cooperation and international contributions were higher in the JMSR compared with the EOJ.

Assessing the recognition of female orthopaedic surgeons in Castle Connolly's “America's Top Doctors” from 2000 to 2020

“…25,26 A study by Khalifa et al determined the prevalence of female authorship of 2 orthopaedic journals in Saudi Arabia and Egypt to be ~14.0% and 0.3%, respectively. 27 Contrarily, Portugal has passed legislation mandating a minimum 40% inclusion rate for men and women candidates for administrative boards of higher-education institutions, a change which some experts say may have contributed to women accounting for nearly half of all authors in their nation. 28 When considering the lag in recognition of female orthopaedic surgeons some proposed reasons include the low percentage of practicing female orthopaedic surgeons, decreased number of female orthopaedic surgeons/mentors in high-ranking positions, perspective that the field is not friendly to females and/or conducive to females looking for a balanced work-life schedule and family planning, lack of exposure to orthopaedic principles and foundations in medical school, expensive pathway to becoming an orthopaedic surgeon, and greater fit of other medical specialties.…”

The Perspective of Brazilian Women Orthopaedic Surgeons on Gender Discrimination: Initial Insights to Understand Gender Bias in the Brazilian Healthcare System

“…Furthermore, these authors observed that Canadian women orthopaedists are underrepresented in terms of numbers, positions, and academic productivity. In another cross-sectional study, Khalifa et al [ 22 ] compared the number of authors per article and the prevalence of women authors in two orthopaedic journals from the Arab world: the Archives of the Egyptian Orthopaedic Journal (EOJ) and the Journal of Musculoskeletal Surgery and Research (JMSR). These authors reviewed all articles published prior to July 2020 and found that the prevalence of women authors in the JMSR was significantly higher than in the EOJ (14.2% versus 0.3%, respectively).…”

“…These findings shed light on the need for institutional support for more active participation in scientific research and publication by women physicians, starting early in their education and specialty training. It is widely recognized that being up-to-date with scientific advancements and actively engaging in academic activities are crucial factors for professional advancement in various orthopaedic disciplines [ 22 ].…”

How Many Plastic Surgeons Does It Take to Write an Article? A 10-Year Bibliometric Analysis of Authorship Inflation

“…Furthermore, compared with North America, Africa, and the Middle East have a greater proportion of single-authored articles. 35,36 Thus, in countries where research productivity is less closely tied to career advancement, fewer people may feel the pressure to obtain publications. Consequently, supply is more closely matched to demand.…”

“…Whereas in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the publication requirement for entry into surgical training has reduced 34 —a maximum score is achieved after publication of a single first-authored original research article. Furthermore, compared with North America, Africa, and the Middle East have a greater proportion of single-authored articles 35,36 . Thus, in countries where research productivity is less closely tied to career advancement, fewer people may feel the pressure to obtain publications.…”