Domestic Characteristics and Trends of Publications on Bone Metabolism in South Korea between 1998 and 2012

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to investigate the trends in domestic publications on bone metabolism during the last decade, and to document the characteristics of articles in South Korea. METHODS: Articles on bone metabolism including osteoporosis published between 1998 and 2012 were evaluated, in terms of title, type of articles, subspecialty, and authors' affiliations. We used descriptive statistics for presenting the characteristics of domestic publication on bone metabolism. RESULTS: Total of 247 articles, published articles between 1998 and 2012, were reviewed. Over a total study period of 14 years, the number of articles which was initially 109 in the first half term increased to 247 during the period of second half. Of these 247 articles, 52 were on basic research, and 195 were on clinical research. Although the types of article were added in the later 7 years were much diverse than that of the earlier 7 years, the proportion of original articles has decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings presented the characteristics and trends of domestic publication on bone metabolism in South Korea, and concerns for editorial boards in future.