Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2025 Dec 3;24(1):74. doi: 10.1186/s12991-025-00616-3.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Children’s mental health in high-altitude areas is influenced by various environmental, socioeconomic, and biological factors. This study aims to explore the knowledge framework and key research areas in this domain, using bibliometric methods to analyze trends, collaboration patterns, and essential themes related to children’s mental health at high altitudes.
METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on publications from 1979 to 2024 retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The R package “Bibliometrix,” VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were used to analyze publication trends, collaboration patterns, and research themes.
RESULTS: A total of 520 English-language articles were included. The United States was the most prolific country (226 articles), and Duke University was the leading institution (66 articles). The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry was the most influential journal. E. Jane Costello was the most prolific author (50 publications). Co-occurrence network analysis identified four major clusters: possible mechanisms, outcomes, psychopathology, and management of mental health issues. Academic research in very high HDI countries focuses more on quality-of-life and mental health issues, whereas low and medium HDI countries prioritize fundamental public health and common disease prevention.
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a bibliometric foundation for quantitatively assessing research trends on mental health among children in high-altitude regions. Current research primarily focuses on underlying mechanisms, outcomes, mental health conditions, and management strategies. For countries at different development levels, research should be tailored to their specific social development stages and health challenges.
PMID:41339951 | DOI:10.1186/s12991-025-00616-3
