Exploring New Medical Trends in Geriatrics Research in Iran from 2012 to 2024
Abstract
Introduction: Quantitative evaluation of scientific output across countries and research domains provides critical insights into research trends, identifies knowledge gaps, and facilitates alignment of research efforts with strategic policy objectives. This study employs scientometric analysis to characterize the research landscape of geriatrics in Iran, including temporal trends, dominant research themes, prolific contributors, and influential publication venues.
Methods: This applied scientometric study employed bibliometric analysis and network mapping techniques. The study population comprised all Iranian scientific publications indexed in Scopus in the geriatrics field between 2012 and 2024. Articles were systematically retrieved from the Scopus database using a standardized search strategy, analyzed using VOSviewer software 1.6.2, and visualized through co-authorship and co-occurrence network maps.
Results: A total of 50,496 records were retrieved. Azizi emerged as the most prolific author (n = 614). Larijani demonstrated the strongest collaborative network with 284 co-authorship connections. The Epidemiology Research Center of the University of Tehran was the most productive institution (851 instances; 404 collaborations), followed by the Gastroenterology Research Center of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences as a key contributor to contemporary geriatrics research. International collaboration analysis revealed that the United States and the United Kingdom were the most frequent research partners with Iranian institutions. PLOS ONE was the highest-impact publication venue for geriatrics research by this cohort, with 8,103 citations.
Conclusion: Research clustering analysis identified priority research themes that have attracted sustained attention within the geriatrics community. Strategic collaboration with high-productivity institutions and international partners may enhance publication visibility and research impact in geriatrics. These findings provide an evidence-based foundation for directing future research priorities and fostering international partnerships in Iranian geriatrics research.
