Bibliometric analysis of Peruvian scientific output on COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To describe the Peruvian scientific output on COVID-19 up to January 31, 2021. Materials and methods: We carried out a bibliometric study using two databases (MEDLINE and SciELO). We included original or short original articles with at least one author with Peruvian institutional affiliation. Scientific output was described according to: institution, approval by a Research Ethics Committee, registration in the platforms established by regulations, scientific journals in which they were published, research funding, and Peruvian collaboration networks. Results: A total of 106 articles were analyzed, only three (2.8%) were clinical trials. Of the top 10 institutions with the highest scientific output, only two did not belong to the education sector. A total of 53 (50.0%) articles had no information regarding ethical aspects or it was not explicitly stated whether or not it was approved by a Research Ethics Committee. Only 8 (7.7%) of 104 articles were registered in PRISA; 12 (11.3%) articles were published in Peruvian journals. Regarding funding, 71 (67.0%) investigations did not specify the source or they were self-financed. We found international collaboration in 70 publications (66.0%). Conclusions: The most productive Peruvian institutions are found in Lima. Half of the articles did not state ethical aspects in any part of the document. Almost all of the studies were not registered on the platforms established by regulations. In more than half of the articles the source of funding is not stated or they were self-financed.