DOI: 10.54005/geneltip.1803950 ISSN: 2602-3741

Impact vs. Access: A Multifaceted Analysis of the Tensions and Trends in Rheumatology Publishing

Ender Salbaş, Ali Yavuz Karahan, Nilay Şahin
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Aim: This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of rheumatology journals to elucidate publication trends, scholarly impact, and accessibility dynamics within this critical medical field.Materials and Methods: In May 2025, we evaluated 42 journals with “Rheumatology”, “Rheum” or “Reum” in their titles using data from Web of Science, Journal Citation Reports, and publisher websites. Thirty-eight parameters, including Impact Factor (IF) 2023, Journal Citation Indicator (JCI), Article Processing Charges (APC), and open access percentages, were analyzed. Statistical methods encompassed Spearman correlations, Wilcoxon tests, and machine mac ine learning approaches, including Random Forest regression and K-means/hierarchical clustering, implemented in Python.Results: England (23.81%) and the USA (21.43%) dominate journal origins, with English as the primary language (85.71%). Indexing splits between SCIE (54.76%) and ESCI (45.24%), while 2023 quartiles favor Q4 (28.57%) and Q3 (23.81%). Mean IF 2023 was 3.78 (median 2.10), JCI 0.96 (median 0.57), and APC $786.69 (median $0). Q3/Q4 journals showed higher open access rates (74.77%, 56.17%). IF 2023 correlated strongly with JCI (ρ=0.977, p<3.17e-27) but not open access ( =-0.165, p=0.316). Random Forest regression (OOB=0.806) identified JIF Rank, Immediacy Index, and JCI as key IF predictors. Clustering isolated a high-impact group (median IF 17.65), which includes Nature Reviews Rheumatology.Conclusions: This analysis highlights rheumatology’s dynamic scholarly landscape, marked by geographic leadership, open access trends, and prestige hierarchies. Machine learning-driven insights advocate for AI-guided publishing strategies to enhance equity and impact. Despite limitations, such as reliance on 2023 data and title-based journal selection, this study offers valuable guidance for researchers, editors, and policymakers shaping rheumatology’s future.

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