Bibliometric analysis of inflammatory bowel disease and emotional factors: trends, impact, and emerging research areas.

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic gastrointestinal condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Emerging evidence underscores the significant role of emotional factors in the onset, progression, and management of IBD. This bidirectional relationship necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that integrates psychological care into IBD management strategies. This study employs bibliometric analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of the research landscape on IBD and emotional factors.

METHODS

We used the Web of Science Core Collection to search for pertinent publications. To conduct the analyses, we utilized tools like VOS Viewer, CiteSpace, and Biblioshiny.

RESULTS

Research in this field has shown exponential growth, with annual publications increasing from fewer than five in the 1980s to 193 in 2023. The United States leads in research output (521 publications) and collaboration centrality (0.72), followed by England and Canada. The University of Manitoba is the top contributing institution, and Charles N. Bernstein emerged as the most prolific author. Journals like Journal of Crohn's & Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases were pivotal in disseminating research. Cocitation analysis revealed Antonina Mikocka-Walus and Charles N. Bernstein as influential contributors to the field.

CONCLUSION

The field of IBD and emotional factors is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing recognition of the psychological dimensions of IBD management. While significant progress has been made, gaps remain in understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing integrative therapeutic approaches. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the incorporation of emotional health into personalized treatment strategies.