Global Mapping of Research Trends on Interventions to Improve Health-Related Quality of Life in Asthma Patients

• Main Authors: Hai Thanh Phan, Giap Van Vu, Giang Thu Vu, Giang Hai Ha, Hai Quang Pham, Carl A. Latkin, Bach Xuan Tran, Cyrus S.H. Ho, Roger C.M. Ho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-05-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: scientometrics; content analysis; text mining; interventions; asthma; quality of life
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/10/3540
• ISSN: 1661-7827; 1660-4601

Globally, approximately 335 million people are being affected by asthma. Given that asthma is a chronic airway condition that cannot be cured, the disease negatively impacts physical health and results in losses of productivity of people experiencing asthma, leading to decrease in quality of life. This study aims at demonstrating the research trends worldwide and identifying the research gaps in interventions for improving quality of life of patients with asthma. Bibliometric approach and content analysis, which can objectively evaluate the productivity and research landscapes in this field, were utilized. In this study, we systematically quantified the development of research landscapes associated with interventions for improving quality of life of people experiencing asthma. Along with the gradual growth in the number of publications, these research topics have relatively expanded in recent years. While the understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of asthma has been well-established, recent research has showed high interest in the control and management of asthma. Findings of this study suggest the need for more empirical studies in developing countries and further investigation into the effects of environment factors on asthma outcomes, as well as the economic burden of asthma.