Bhutan-focused COVID-19 publications, 2020-2024: A Scopus-based bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic stimulated unprecedented global research activity. Bhutan, despite its small population and limited research infrastructure, contributed to the COVID-19 related literature. This study aimed to analyse Bhutan-focused COVID-19 research productivity and scholarly publications using bibliometric analysis. Methods: Publications published between 2020 and 2024 were retrieved from Scopus and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and VOSviewer version 1.6.20. Results: A total of 60 publications were identified. Research output increased significantly over time, from 6 publications (10%) in 2020 to 18 publications (30%) in 2021, reflecting heightened research engagement during the early phase of the pandemic. The Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health published the highest number of publications. 18 publications (30%) remained uncited, and 9 publications (15%) received 10 or more citations. Bhutan-focused COVID-19 publications emphasised how Gross National Happiness principles and cultural values guided the country’s public health response to the pandemic. Conclusion: Bhutan-focused COVID-19 publications demonstrated a timely and collaborative research response to the pandemic. While the publication output and uptake of open-access publishing were encouraging, citation impact remained modest. Increasing research visibility, dissemination, and the inclusion in database indexes may help strengthen the impact of Bhutan-focused research in the future.