Qualitative and Quantitative Study of Iran\'s Scientific Journals in the Field of Medicine in Scopus Database

Abstract

Background and Aim: Scientific journals are known as one of the basic tools in knowledge development in todaychr('39')s world and have a special place in publication of the newest achievements of human knowledge and science. This study aimed to evaluate Iranian journals of medical sciences in Scopus database and determine their level in the world. Materials and Methods: This is an analytical-descriptive study with Scientometrics approach. The research population includes all Iranian journals in the field of medicine which are indexed in Scopus database until 2016. We used SPSS and Excel software to analyze data and NodeXL to draw shapes and pictures. Results: The findings show that the number of Iranian journals increased from 2 in 1999 to 78 in 2015. Also, 15 cities and 29 centers and universities have played a role in publishing those journals. Meanwhile, the findings show that Iranian indexed journals are at a lower level compared with those of the developed and industrial countries. Conclusion: The most important reasons for Iranian journalschr('39') growth were "the policy of Scopus to increase scientific journals", "observance of standards and compliance with international fashion and standards of medical journals”, and the like. We concluded that Iranian journals compared with those of other countries are not at a good quality position and that it is essential to have an appropriate policy by the Ministry of Health and its subordinate Universities.

Keywords

• scientific journals
• medical journals
• iran
• citation database
• scopus
• scientometrics