PubMed-indexed neurosurgical research productivity of Iraq-based neurosurgeons

Abstract

Background: Research is a central component of neurosurgical training and practice and is increasingly viewed as a quintessential indicator of academic productivity. In this study, we focus on identifying the current status and challenges of neurosurgical research in Iraq. Methods: An online PubMed Medline database search was conducted to identify all articles published by Iraq-based neurosurgeons between 2003 and 2020. Information was extracted in relation to the following parameters: authors, year of publication, author’s affiliation, author’s specialty, article type, article citation, journal name, journal impact factor, and topic. This data were then tabulated and analyzed. Results: Between 2003 and 2021, a total of 52 PubMed indexed papers were published from Iraq. All publications have been clustered in the period of 2012–2020. From 2012 to 2016, only four papers were published, one per year. The number of publications increased from 2017 to 2021, with an average of 12 publications per year. The most common article type was “case reports” (n = 14). Neurotrauma (n = 10) and vascular neurosurgery (n = 10) were the two most common topics. Most of the studies came from the city of Bagdad (n = 46), with just nine studies coming from peripheral governorates. The Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital in Bagdad was the neurosurgery center with the highest research output (n = 38). Conclusion: The number of publications per year has been showing a, relatively, promising trend since 2012. However, to promote sustained growth in academic productivity, a strategic plan that acknowledges the political, financial, and health-system-related challenges are urgently needed.

Academic productivity of Iraqi medical students in the field of neurosurgery: A literature review

“…Such conditions may be attributed to insufficient research resources, insufficient funding, and the absence of a documentation system in the academic field in Iraq. [44] Out of all published studies, neurotrauma was the second most common topic to be highlighted by publications that included medical students, perhaps this is not surprising due to the vast numbers of neurotrauma cases faced by Iraqi neurosurgeons, and the reporting of these cases is still remarkable due to ongoing armed conflicts especially when viewed in the context of a war-afflicted country. Numerous atypical injuries are witnessed on regular bases, including blast bombings and severe penetrating craniofacial injuries caused by unusual grenades such as tear gas canisters.…”

“…Such conditions may be attributed to insufficient research resources, insufficient funding, and the absence of a documentation system in the academic field in Iraq. [ 44 ]…”

“…Over the past six decades, neurosurgery in Iraq has had a pronounced paucity of international publications, with a recent surge happening after 2017. [44] Since 2019, several neurosurgical centers in Iraq, and in Baghdad in particular, have served as leaders in the research-mentoring pathway by considering medical students as part of their plan to improve individual and institutional research productivity. is is the first paper that aims to explore the quality and quantity of the academic productivity of medical students in Iraq in the field of neurosurgery over the past 2 years.…”