Mapping the Research Landscape of Health Literacy: Insights from Scopus

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study analyzes recent scientific production in health literacy, assessing professional involvement and identifying areas for attention, gap addressing, and collaboration network establishment to enhance health outcomes. This comprehensive analysis examined scientific literature from 2018 to 2022 retrieved from Scopus database. Methodology The study focused on original articles in multiple languages and utilized tools like Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. It explored publication patterns, citation metrics, authorship trends, country contributions, keyword evolution, clusters of related terms, and professional involvement. Findings This analysis yielded valuable insights into the research landscape of health literacy during the specified time frame, providing a deeper understanding of the field. The analysis encompassed 3,489 articles, revealing a significant increase in publications since 2019. Prolific authorship did not always correlate with citation impact in health literacy research. Nguyen H.C. emerged as the most cited author, particularly in COVID-19-related symptoms and health literacy. The analysis revealed significant contributions from influential countries such as the United States, Australia, Germany, Iran, and China. “Mental health” emerged as a prominent area of investigation based on keyword analysis. The study also found underrepresentation of nursing professionals but identified diverse health-related professionals and institutes as influential contributors. KEY MESSAGES Health literacy publications, particularly related to COVID-19, have significantly increased, indicating a rising interest in addressing pandemic-related health literacy needs. The research landscape on health literacy is global, with the USA, Australia, Iran, China, Germany, Norway, and Denmark as leading contributors. Collaborations among institutions like the University of Houston, Uppsala University, and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences highlight the importance of international cooperation in advancing health literacy research. Research hotspots in health literacy include COVID-19, interventions, chronic disease management, healthcare access, and health disparities, guiding future research to improve health outcomes and tackle key challenges in the field.