HIV / AIDS research and the youth : an informetric analysis of the literature

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present an analytical overview of the HIV / AIDS literature relevant to the youth, with a view to determining and comparing the nature, trends, and type of the pandemic's research and other characteristics as indexed in the AIDSEARCH database between 1980 and 2002. Although the search was limited to the human population, records that discussed both humans and animals were noted and included in the final analysis of data using the Bibexcel and Microsoft Excel software. Data were analysed by publication type, publication year, date of entry, language, source, publication country, geographic area as a subject, gender, among other variables. We observed that research on young people seems to be increasing, and the publishing and indexing time-lag is still problematic. Other variables are provided in the findings and recommendations.