Scientific publications in obstetrics and gynecology journals from China, 2000-2009.

Objective: To analyze the output of scientific publications in obstetrics and gynecology journals from 3 principal regions of China: mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Methods: Information on article numbers, impact factors, citation reports, and publication in high-impact obstetrics and gynecology journals by Chinese authors between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2009, was extracted from PubMed and WoS databases. Comparisons of quantity and quality were done by Kruskal-Wallis and rank-sum tests.

Results: There were 3044 articles from mainland China (n=1042), Taiwan (n=1304), and Hong Kong (n=698). The cumulative impact factors and citations of articles from Taiwan were highest among the 3 regions. In terms of average impact factor and number of citations per article, Hong Kong exceeded mainland China and Taiwan. Fertility and Sterility, Human Reproduction and Gynecologic Oncology were among the most popular obstetrics and gynecology journals used by authors in the 3 regions.

Conclusion: The annual number of articles published in obstetrics and gynecology journals from the 3 regions of China increased during the past decade, especially for mainland China. However, the quality of articles from mainland China arouses attention because the average citation of articles from Hong Kong and Taiwan was higher than that of articles from the mainland.