This article argues that the current approach to evaluating a journal’s impact is a fragile metric that is prone to being skewed by outlier values and that does not speak to a researcher’s contribution to furthering health outcomes for all populations. The article proposes the implementation of a Diversity Factor to fulfill this need and supplement the current metrics. The Diversity Factor is composed of four key elements: dataset properties, author country, author gender and departmental affiliation. The article reveals the results of a test using the Diversity Factor for evaluation: In total, 130,721 papers over a period of more than 20 years were identified from 7,462 journals where significant underrepresentation of female authors and authors from low- and middle-income countries was demonstrated.
Published August 14, 2023
Sign up to receive our monthly Research Roundup email, which offers a selection of new public health research from major journals.
Recent Abstracts
Messaging Recommendations for Effective Road Safety Campaigns: Lessons From Formative Research for Drink…
Testimonials: Personal stories that have the power to save lives on the road
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Study on Lead Poisoning and Pollution in Indonesia
Improving Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems in French-Speaking Countries: Opportunities and Challenges
Strengthening the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) System in Colombia
Estimation of the direct and indirect costs attributable to alcohol consumption in Brazil
Guidance for Collection and Processing of Cause-of-Death Data in the Civil Registration and…
Vital Strategies: Reimagine Public Health
Public perceptions of emissions testing in Jakarta, Indonesia
Cost-Benefit Analysis for Air Pollution Control Strategies in Jakarta