Biomedical Journals and Global Poverty: Is HINARI a Step Backwards?
Author Information
Author(s): Javier Villafuerte-Gálvez, Walter H. Curioso, Oscar Gayoso
Primary Institution: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Hypothesis
The accessibility of biomedical journals through HINARI is decreasing, impacting researchers in developing countries.
Conclusion
The recent loss of access to many key biomedical journals in Peru could hinder the education of medical students and the quality of research.
Supporting Evidence
- Access to major biomedical journals through HINARI has decreased since its launch in 2003.
- Users accessing HINARI at the institution dropped from 12,144 in April 2005 to 5,655 in April 2007.
- 57% of the journals that were supposed to be accessible through HINARI are from major publishers that are no longer available.
Takeaway
Researchers in Peru are having a harder time getting important medical journals, which makes it tough for them to learn and do research.
Methodology
A review of the first 150 science journals available through HINARI with the highest impact factors was conducted.
Limitations
The study only reviewed a limited number of journals and did not include open-access journals.
Participant Demographics
Medical students and health professionals in Peru.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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