Founded in 2005, Globalization and Health was the first open access global health journal. The journal has since expanded the field, and its influence, with the number of downloaded papers rising 17-fold, to over 4 million. Its ground-breaking papers, leading authors -including a Nobel Prize winner- and an impact factor of 2.25 place it among the top global health journals in the world. To mark the ten years since the journal’s founding, we, members of the current editorial board, undertook a review of the journal’s progress over the last decade. Through the application of an inductive thematic analysis, we systematically identified themes of research published in the journal from 2005 to 2014. We identify key areas the journal has promoted and consider these in the context of an existing framework, identify current gaps in global health research and highlight areas we, as a journal, would like to see strengthened.
Hinweise
Competing interests
GM, MM, RL, FL and FV hold editorial positions on the Globalization and Health Editorial Board.
Authors’ contributions
MM and NB conceived the idea of the study and its general design. NB undertook the review of the papers published in Globalization and Health. NB, FL and FV wrote the first draft of the manuscript. GM, MM and RL all contributed substantial revisions to the manuscript. All authors reviewed and accepted the final draft.
Background
Published in 2005 as the first open-access global health journal, Globalization and Health offers an international platform for quality original research, knowledge sharing, and debate on the topic of globalisation and its effects on health. The journal assumes a cross-sector and multidisciplinary approach, inviting scholarship from clinical, biological, social, political, economic, environmental and information sciences. It caters to a wide audience including: academics, policy-makers, health care practitioners, and public health professionals. After a decade of publishing, the journal has become a trusted source of high quality peer reviewed papers.
As of 2015, article publications have more than quadrupled from 18 papers published in 2005, to 81 papers in 2014 and we currently publish more than a third of all submissions. Over 4 million papers have been downloaded, resulting in more than 2300 individual citations. We continue to attract authors from across the world and from diverse backgrounds, including academics, policy makers, humanitarian and development aid workers, Ministers of Health, students and a Nobel Prize winner. Globalization and Health is rapidly climbing the ranks of public health related journals in the world, and our impact factor rising from 1.485 in 2012 to 2.25 in 2014. We are particularly proud of the international reach of our papers and of our free-to-publish provision for authors from low-income countries.
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The journal has covered the major global health events of the last fifteen years, including the SARS virus outbreak of the early 2000s, the politics of the tobacco industry, the ‘Westernization’ of lifestyle behaviours and its associated health implications, access to essential medicines, and the most recent Ebola crisis in West Africa: all from the perspective both of high-income and low and middle-income countries. To mark our tenth year as a journal, and the migration of the journal to its new institutional address at the Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, members of the current editorial board undertook a review of all the articles that have been published to date. The purpose of this review was to identify strengths, trends and current gaps in research; highlight opportunities for strengthening existing research; and to propose upcoming areas of research, projected to be of increasing importance over the next ten years.
Methodology
An analysis was undertaken of all articles published between the years 2005 and 2014 (n = 327), using a three-stage inductive thematic approach. In the first stage, an open coding process was applied, whereby all abstracts were read and 43 overall themes identified. In the second stage, these 43 themes were reassigned to 20 thematic categories with the help of a second researcher (Table 2, Column A). Subthemes were then identified through rereading of abstracts, and the paper in full in cases where it was felt that subthemes were not obvious from the abstract (Table 2, Column B). Finally, axial coding was used to identify similarities or overlaps in thematic categories and across papers in the context of existing frameworks in global health research [1, 2] (see Table 3). As an interim step, descriptive characteristics were drawn from each paper, including the number and country of origin of authors (Table 1), type of journal article (Fig. 1), regions of focus of the paper, and disciplinary focus. These are presented below.
Table 1
Location of primary author by continent
Continent
Percentage of first authors
No. of papers
North America
37 %
121
Europe
35.8 %
117
Africa
10.7 %
35
Asia
7.3 %
24
Australia/Oceania
7 %
23
South America
2.1 %
7
Fig. 1
Percentage of Journal Articles Published by Type between 2005 and 2014
×
Results
Descriptives
Table 1 summarises the location of the affiliation of the first author and indicates that the majority of authors came from northern hemisphere, high-income countries. The USA accounted for 24 % of all authors, while the UK made up 12 %. North America and Europe shared an equally high percentage of primary authors (36 % and 35 %, respectively).
First authors most frequently identified themselves with Medicine and Public Health disciplines (15 %). Multi-disciplinary backgrounds (32 articles (9.8 %)) and undisclosed disciplines (45 articles (13.8 %)) were also frequent. Global Health, Epidemiology, Health Science and Population Health were among the most commonly identified disciplines. Figure 1 summarises the six types of journal articles published:
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In the early years of the journal there was no clear preference for research articles (2005–2007). However from 2011 onwards, research articles accounted for over 50 % of the publications in the journal. Literature reviews were also favoured (9.5 %). Approximately 17 % of papers were classed as highly accessed by the journal’s publisher, Bio-Med Central (BMC).
The region of focus was defined as the geographical area where the research took place, or the area that was a primary concern of the research. Regions were either generalised (e.g. worldwide) or specific (e.g. Rwanda). A generalised view was the most common (30 %), with 55 articles (16.8 %) focused specifically on low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This reflects the high number of meta-analysis and review articles that used data from across countries, rather than from a single country. Eight articles (2.4 %) examined or contrasted between low-income and high-income countries. Canada was the most frequently cited country (2.4 %), with research primarily focused on the reasons for, and policies surrounding, medical tourism [3, 4].
Key thematic categories
Table 2, Column A presents the 20 key thematic categories identified from the analysis, as described above. The first six of these (health systems, pharmaceuticals, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, research, policy-making and migration) were considered particularly ‘rich’ as they contained six or more subthemes. A second tier of thematic categories, each with 3 or 4 sub-themes included health technologies, international aid, and global health as an area of study, partnerships and knowledge sharing, nutrition, mental health and global threats. A third set of thematic categories although less ‘rich’ in terms of the range of sub-themes, included many areas critical for global health, such as tobacco control, maternal health and the health and rights of sex workers.
Table 2
Analysis of thematic categories and sub-themes published in Globalization and Health 2005-2015
(A) Thematic categories
(B) Sub-themes
Health systems
Accreditation
Private health sector
Public health sector
Economic impact
Reform of systems for localisation
Patient care and safety
Resources
Access to healthcare
Education
Pharmaceuticals
Cost of medicines
Access to medicine
Local production of medicine
Implications of drug patents
Antibiotics
Antimicrobial resistance
Governance in the pharmaceutical sector
Bilateral trade
Drug trials
Non-communicable diseases
Economic and health burden
Prevention and intervention
Diabetes
Policy making around NCDs
Home based vs community based care for NCDs
Socio-economic status
Cardio vascular disease
Diabetes and nutrition
Communicable diseases
HIV and AIDS
ART- sustained delivery and adherence
Programme sustainability
Community based awareness and prevention
Health rights of HIV patients
Healthcare equity
AIDS free generation and HIV/AIDS as a chronic illness
Research
Contrasting global north and south
Drug development
Funding
Open access publishing
Conducting research on diseases
Scientific rigour
Underreporting in low and middle income countries.
Policy making – national & global levels
Home based care
Implementation of policies
Incentives to improve
Spending on health
Millennium development goals and future policy
Development
Global fund
Migration
Obesity
Sexual violence against migrants-prevention
Migrant health access
Refugees and NCDs
Brain drain
Therapeutic relationships
Technology
eHealth governance and legislation
mHealth and NCDs
mHealth and mental health
Standardisation in health technology
Telemedicine
International aid
Foreign aid
Volunteering
Ethical and sustainable volunteering
Coordination of aid
Satisfaction and effectiveness (with usage)
Global health as a field of study
Contributions to global health
Governance of global health
Evolution of the field
Priorities
Partnerships & knowledge sharing
Reverse partnerships in volunteering
International cooperation
‘Reverse innovation’
Open innovation in low resource settings
Nutrition
Obesity in children
Nutrition and chronic disease
Global response to obesity
Implications of trade agreements on nutrition
Mental health
Suicide and socio-economic status
Work stress, ageing and depression
Human rights
Psychological impact of caregiving
Global threats
Weapon control
Nutrition issues
Organised crime
Climate change
Tobacco
Tobacco control
Nicotine replacement
Health and economic burden of consumption
Maternal health
Maternal mental health
Mother to child HIV transmission
Infection control and maternal mortality
Trade
Pesticide residue on imported food
TRIPS
Trade related diseases
Sustainable development
Sustainable impact of volunteerism
Nutrition
Sustainable water sanitation
Sex workers
Health interventions
Alcohol use and HIV vulnerability
Human rights violations
Global disease
NCDs
Multi-morbidity
Epidemiology
Whilst the above analysis is useful insofar as it maps the broad range of topics published by the journal, we further reviewed these thematic categories in the context of an existing framework for globalisation and health. Table 3 therefore reinterprets the above thematic categories and subthemes in terms of Labonte and Torgerson’s framework [2] with a view to highlighting existing gaps and informing future research. Table 3 is followed by detailed description of eight key constructs (adapted from Labonte and Torgerson’s framework), and discussed in terms of papers published in Globalization and Health over the last ten years.
Table 3
Thematic categories and subthemes aligned to key constructs of Labonte and Torgerson’s [2] conceptual framework
[67]- Psychological influences of AIDS as chronic illness
Barriers in service
Disease reconfiguration- HIV/AIDs as a chronic disease
Global policy space and global health contexts
Includes papers that discuss issues that influence, and/or relate to, health at an international level; specifically, global trade policy initiatives and their impact on health outcomes. Examples include papers related to nutrition and the globalisation of disease due to the global trade of processed food, and their health impact on global obesity [5, 6], as well as trade, globalization processes and the rise in non-communicable disease rates [7]. Papers on international health policies (i.e. papers pertaining to the Global Fund and the Millennium Development Goals [8, 9]) were also categorised within this theme, as was the progression of the field of global health and its evolving definition [10, 11].
Global and domestic development contexts
Development was at the core of this key construct, with sustainable development in relation to aid, volunteering policies, emerging pathways of development for LMICs, global health partnerships and scientific research all being discussed. Poverty reduction strategy papers, as mentioned within Labonte and Torgerson’s framework [2], were evident, with a focus on the conceptualisation of aid [12] and on alignment of spending and domestic priorities [13]. The development of research was a topic within this; authors focused upon under-representation of low-income countries in the literature, research partnerships and ethical standards of research [14‐16]. Sustainability of global and local initiatives were also covered [17], as was the concept of ‘reverse innovation’ [18].
Environmental pathways
Focused primarily upon the impact of globalisation on climate change, and how climate change in turn impacts on health outcomes. Research topics explored climate-sensitive health investments [19] and sustainable community level interventions [20], both aligned to the environmental protection policy level in Labonte and Torgerson’s framework [2].
Trade agreements and regulatory space of pharmaceutical products
The pharmaceutical industry, its trade and access to medicines were the research topics in this construct. Authors reported on drug patents and generic manufacturing [21], localised and multinational pharmaceutical companies’ production of medicine [22, 23], and access to medicine [24]. Discussions on these issues were at times framed in relation to intellectual property rights and human rights [25, 26]. Articles on intellectual property rights, drug costs and patent terms dominated topics related to trade.
Healthcare systems
Refers to the regulation, organisation, service availability and delivery of health systems. This construct is similar to the ‘health care system’ aspect of Woodward and colleagues’ 2001 framework [1] and includes research papers on technological (i.e. mobile health) and health systems [27] and the legislation around this emerging field [28, 29]. The place of female sex workers within health systems was also included under this construct [30].
Domestic policy and national level influences
Firstly refers to the policies made and implemented at a domestic level, for example, the place of community home-based care within national policies [31]. Second, this construct refers to issues which influence policy-making, such as governmental agendas and adequate health system performance (institutional preparedness to support policies which are implemented) [32].
Population level influences - NCDs
This construct incorporated research on NCDs and their burden in different contexts (e.g. economic and health burden) and pathways to care (home vs. community care, intervention and prevention). Diabetes was frequently mentioned, both alone and in conjunction with articles on other NCDs, with diabetes being the most commonly cited NCD. Articles focused on interventions for diabetes and recommendations for new or improved options for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. NCDs often arose within other constructs, such as globalised trade [7, 33]. The burden of NCDs, on the economy, government, and people, were also investigated.
Population level influences - communicable disease
This construct refers to the influence of communicable disease on the health of a population and both community-based and domestic-level interventions to address these. Research focused on the transmission of communicable diseases, and the influence that globalisation has on the spread of these [34, 35]. Most papers were in relation to HIV and AIDS, and included HIV programme sustainability, access to interventions and adherence to treatments [17, 36, 37]. Sustained use and access to antiretroviral therapy was another frequently occurring topic under this construct. The changing discourse surrounding HIV and AIDS from an incurable disease to a chronic illness was also investigated and the policies, both global and at national level, were explored to see if they were reflective of this change [38]. In this regard, HIV was also closely linked with the NCDs theme, as more papers emphasised HIV’s chronicity. HIV and ART were predominantly discussed in the context of Africa and through prevention, intervention and treatments.
The inextricability of many of the above constructs lends itself to overlap between thematic categories. For example, policy was a commonly occurring topic and many issues were analysed and discussed in the context of their wider policies (e.g. policy on drug patents) [39]. There was also a focus on the extent to which global efforts, such as the Millennium Development Goals, were being achieved and how they might be altered to render them more effective [8].
Political inclinations of the article
Articles classed as political were those concerned with policy and policy making. These ranged from topics of the policy around home-based care [31] to the globalisation of crime [40]. In a supplementary analysis, articles were marked as being political (30 %) when they explicitly referenced national or global political action. However, it must be noted that it was at times difficult to disaggregate different levels of political engagement, so the classification of articles as political may not be as robust as the other categories in the analysis, with 5 % of the articles being impossible to classify.
Not political 65 %
Political 30 %
A distinctive ethos and direction for future research
Many of the themes identified in this research fit with Labonte and Torgerson’s [2] assertion that research in global health must go beyond a disease specific focus and come to include the social, environmental and economic contexts in which disease occurs. So while many of the principal themes identified were diseases - including HIV and AIDS, diabetes and other NCDs – they were often considered through broader situational and contextual factors, whether community, national, or global. We believe that the interplay between local contexts and global factors influencing health is a particularly valuable and distinctive contribution of Globalization and Health. Much of the research explored the national and community contexts in which diseases occurred, with papers focusing upon how strategic plans can be developed at national level to tackle the burden of NCDs [41]. Papers also highlighted the importance of disseminating evidence from local research on health outcomes to national and global levels [42, 43].
The challenges faced by the international development and public health communities are evolving. In light of increasing pressure on the environment, emerging and protracted conflict, political and economic instability, novel zoonotic pandemics, the role of multinationals in global health, and the threat of bioterrorism, future research must be met with timely and evidence-informed responses emerging from innovative technologies, new and broadly stated Sustainable Development Goals, the creation of more effective models of global governance for health, and on-going discussion platforms, such as Globalization and Health. Table 4 suggests areas where the journal could respond to these increasing demands, and in so doing continue to reflect, report and influence the complex and compelling interplay between globalisation and health.
Table 4
Suggestions for future themes within Globalization and Health, reflecting the anticipated development of the field over the next decade
Suggested future themes within Globalization and Health
Rationale
Mental health
An important emerging field in global health discourse. The journal has had five publications thus far with mental health as the primary research topic. While mental health may be covered under the general term ‘NCD’ its focus within ‘Globalization and Health’ has not been as substantial as other NCD areas.
Human resources
The dearth of human resources for health continues to act as one of the most important barriers to achieving health for all. As both the HIV and Ebola epidemics demonstrated, the absence of trained health workers, especially front-line health workers, exacerbate the spread of epidemics. This migration of health personnel, mostly from poor countries to rich countries is facilitated by an increasingly globalised world.
Health technology
Advancements in technology (e.g. eHealth, mHealth, telemedicine, assistive products and medical devices) have created immense promise for a more efficient and inclusive delivery of health care. To be effective however, technology must also be accompanied by a capable and motivated user, and an effective system of support and maintenance, where appropriate.
Gender, equity and human rights
Human rights, including the ‘right to health’, have not been prominent in the journal, with only 2 publications coded as having human rights as a main theme. This is somewhat surprising given that the WHO Constitution ‘enshrines the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being’. This theme includes global health law and treaties that impact on human rights.
Migration
Issues surrounding migration, such as the brain drain and sexual violence against migrants have featured thus far in the journal. Health access and issues faced by migrants have also been explored. Climate change and natural resource depletion are expected to increasingly drive migration, both of which have inherently global causes and consequences.
Sustainable development goals
Research in the journal thus far has reviewed health systems in relation to the MDG, where papers have highlighted the top down approach taken to their establishment and the difficulties in implementing them in the global south [8, 68]. The SDGs present a new opportunity to encourage research with a different emphasis, particularly on coherence (or incoherence) between the different goals, their measurement, government accountability for compliance and global financing for the SDGs.
Intercultural aspects of global health
The journal has yet to include much on pluralist health environments and the complexities that such environments pose for practitioners. The role of traditional health knowledge, the role of traditional health practices and practitioners, cultural and communicative competency in delivering international health programs, protection of cultural health knowledge, differential health risks of indigenous populations.
Transnational corporations and health
The size and reach of transnational corporations has been one of the dominant features of contemporary globalisation. Health benefits via economic growth and employment are offset by the diffusion of hazardous products and the environmental and social damages associated with extractive industries. Attempts to regulate their practices have been countered by claims of voluntary corporate social responsibility. Some attention to these issues has been given in this journal, but more is needed as the global health influence of these corporations continues to rise.
Health and global security
A dominating concern in global health is that of health security, reducing the risk of novel pathogens and the rise and spread of antimicrobial resistant diseases. The journal has paid some attention to this aspect of health and global security. But health is also affected by other security issues, ranging from regional conflicts and their causes, the ‘war on terror’, and the health opportunity costs of militarization. Health has also been mooted as a ‘peace dividend’ in conflict areas, while international health work in conflict areas or fragile states poses particular challenges.
Conclusion
Over the last ten years, Globalization and Health has become a trusted source of peer reviewed research and discussion. Over the next ten years, we will continue to facilitate research dissemination and encourage debate by engaging authors and their audiences to suggest evidence-informed and ethically-grounded global health policy and programmatic action. In a rapidly changing global health landscape, we aim to increase the interdisciplinary nature of global health through increased participation from research on cultural perspectives, climate science, mathematical modelling, behavioural sciences, anthropology, international law, big data, history, agricultural science, business science, public policy and administration, and political science. As well as promoting these areas of content we also want to encourage submissions that address the context and process of global health interventions [44]. With a refreshed editorial Board in place for 2016, we thank those who have contributed as editors, reviewers and authors over the past decade; and those who have enhanced or initiated their involvement for the years ahead. We are always open to new ideas, proposals for special issues and collaborations, and innovative suggestions - from anyone - for how we can best reflect and influence globalisation and health.
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Competing interests
GM, MM, RL, FL and FV hold editorial positions on the Globalization and Health Editorial Board.
Authors’ contributions
MM and NB conceived the idea of the study and its general design. NB undertook the review of the papers published in Globalization and Health. NB, FL and FV wrote the first draft of the manuscript. GM, MM and RL all contributed substantial revisions to the manuscript. All authors reviewed and accepted the final draft.
