Global trends in maternal health research among immigrant women: a bibliometric analysis (2000–2025)
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific literature on maternal health among immigrant women published between 2000 and 2025 using bibliometric methods and to identify global publication trends, the most productive authors, institutions, journals, and countries, international collaboration networks, and thematic developments.
Methods: Data were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database on February 25, 2026, and analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.20 software. Only research articles published in English were included. Co-authorship, coword, co-citation, bibliographic coupling, and citation analyses were performed.
Results: A total of 1,965 publications were analyzed. Publications increased substantially after 2019, peaking in 2020 and 2024. The most productive countries were the USA, Australia, England, Canada, and Sweden. Publications were concentrated in Public Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Nursing, with Obstetrics & Gynecology and Healthcare Policy as dominant thematic areas. The most productive institutions were Karolinska Institutet, University of Toronto, and University of California System. Leading journals included the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, and Midwifery.
Conclusion: This bibliometric study maps research trends in maternal health among immigrant women. High-income Western countries dominate the field, while low- and middleincome country contributions remain limited. Strengthening international collaboration and increasing nursing-focused intervention research are recommended.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Obstetrics and Gynocology Nursing
Journal Section
Review
Authors
Publication Date
September 30, 2026
Submission Date
March 4, 2026
Acceptance Date
July 7, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 1