Bibliometric and Textual Analysis of Historical Patterns in Maternal–Infant Health and Nursing Issues in The Canadian NurseJournal, 1905–2015

Abstract

Study background Journals are key learning mechanisms for nursing organizations. Analysis of publications provides opportunities to explore influences, priorities, and perspectives of nurses over time. Purpose To identify historical trends in maternal–infant health and nursing practice. Methods Historical bibliometric and content analysis of articles in The Canadian Nurse, 1905–2015. Six hundred sixty-eight lead publications in the journal were identified. Data were extracted on authorship, writing style, geographical distribution, and language, and content themes were determined. Results Five hundred twenty-five publications were written by nurses, and 272 came from the Ontario and Quebec. Nine key content areas were identified, including changing families, women’s bodies, prenatal care, birth care, postpartum care, when things go wrong, and keeping babies healthy. The number of maternal–infant publications in this national journal has been decreasing since the emergence of specialty journals. Conclusion Advances in perinatal nursing practice over the past 115 years in Canada reflect emerging scientific developments and evolving social values. These articles traced the medicalization and reclamation of pregnancy and childbirth, the shifting role of nurses in relation to other health and social care providers, and the impact of determinants of health on the well-being of mothers, infants, and families.