Exploring the status of artificial intelligence for healthcare research in Africa: a bibliometric and thematic analysis

Abstract

AbstractThis paper explores the status of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for healthcare research in Africa. The aim was to use bibliometric and thematic analysis methods to determine the publication counts, leading authors, top journals and publishers, most active institutions and countries, most cited institutions, funding bodies, top subject areas, co-occurrence of keywords and co-authorship. Bibliographic data were collected on April 9 2022, through the Lens database, based on the critical areas of authorship studies, such as authorship pattern, number of authors, etc. The findings showed that several channels were used to disseminate the publications, including articles, conference papers, reviews, and others. Publications on computer science topped the list of documented subject categories. The Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health is the top journal, where articles on AI have been published. One of the top nations that published AI research was the United Kingdom. With 143 publications, Harvard University was the higher education institution that produced the most in terms of affiliation. It was discovered that the Medical Research Council was one of the funding organizations that supported research, resulting in the publication of articles in AI. By summarizing the current research themes and trends, this work serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and funding organizations interested in Artificial intelligence for healthcare research in Africa.