Subject content analysis of the HIV/AIDS research in eastern and southern Africa, 1981-2005
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Authors
Onyancha, Omwoyo Bosire
Ocholla, Dennis
Issue Date
2009
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
AIDS/HIV , Informetrics , Content analysis , Eastern Africa , Southern Africa , Sub-Saharan Africa
Alternative Title
Abstract
This paper provides a content analysis of HIV/AIDS research in Eastern and Southern
Africa between 1980 and 2005 as indexed in the MEDLINE database, with a view to
assisting in the identifi cation of HIV/AIDS indexing terms which can be used to access
HIV/AIDS literature. Data were analyzed using Bibexcel software in order to establish
the trends in HIV/AIDS research in the two regions. Results indicate that the number of
keywords/terms used to index HIV/AIDS research outputs has grown exponentially, thus
providing a number of options for accessing HIV/AIDS research fi ndings. The ranking of
main subject headings was initially unstable, especially in the 1980s, but had stabilized
by the mid-1990s and thereafter. Concerning the sub-fi elds of HIV/AIDS, it was noted
that most research is conducted on epidemiology, prevention and control, transmission,
complications, and drug therapy. Drug therapy and antiretrovirals are rapidly emerging as
the main areas of HIV/AIDS research, implying that research has shifted from the causal
factors and diagnosis (which were the major areas of concern in the 1990s) to the care
of those with HIV. Other fi ndings, discussions, conclusions, and recommendations are
provided. Areas for further research are also identifi ed.
Description
Citation
Onyancha, O.B. & Ocholla, D.N. 2009,'Subject content analysis of the HIV/AIDS research in eastern and southern Africa, 1981-2005',
Mousaion, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 89-109.
Publisher
UNISA