(A124) Global Collaborative Trends in Otolaryngology Research: U.S. Partnerships with Low-, Middle-, and Other High-Income Countries

Introduction: Otolaryngology-related conditions impose a significant burden on low- and lower-middle income countries (LICs and LMICs), where healthcare resources are limited. International research collaboration with high-income countries (HICs), like the U.S., can address these disparities by advancing global health knowledge. This study explores trends in international research collaboration in otolaryngology, focusing on partnerships between the U.S. and countries across income levels. It also aims to examine the worldwide distribution and patterns of collaborative publications to address disparities in global health knowledge.

Methods: After an extensive Scopus search, a bibliometric analysis of 125 collaborative publications (2018–2024) in the top five U.S. otolaryngology journals was conducted. Collaborations were categorized by country income level using the World Bank classification (2024 Fiscal Year). Authorship positions (i.e., first and last author), specialty classifications, and publication metrics, were analyzed to assess representation across income groups.

Results: Publications involving LICs and LMICs were limited. LICs contributed 0.98% of authors, with no representation in significant positions, while LMICs contributed 2.78%, with 1.21% in significant positions. High-income countries dominated authorship, accounting for 92.03% of authors and 95.16% of significant positions. Collaborations with LICs and LMICs were mainly concentrated in specific regions, with Uganda, Egypt, and Kenya being the top contributors from these categories. The majority of publications from LICs and LMICs appeared in JAMA-Otolaryngology and Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, while no LICs contributed to publications in International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.

Conclusions: This is the first study to examine U.S.-LIC/LMIC collaborations in otolaryngology, revealing limited inclusion of authors from these regions in key roles. Strengthening equitable partnerships is crucial to advancing global health equity in the field.