INTRODUCTION
Children’s disability is a significant public health concern with profound implications for individuals, families, and societies worldwide. Disabilities in childhood can have a lifelong impact on a child’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, affecting their overall well-being and quality of life (World Health Organization, 2011; National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2014). Addressing the needs of children with disabilities requires a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape in this field, including identifying research trends, key contributors, and research gaps. Such insights can inform evidence-based policies, interventions, and support systems to improve the lives of children with disabilities and their families.
As a rapidly developing country, Saudi Arabia has witnessed increased attention and efforts toward addressing children’s disability and providing appropriate care and support. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in scientific research on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the recognition of the importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by this population (Al-Hazmy et al., 2004; Al-Salehi et al., 2009; Al-Jedai et al., 2016). However, a comprehensive analysis of the scientific research landscape in this area must be improved, hindering the identification of research priorities, collaborations, and areas requiring further investigation.
Bibliometric analysis, a quantitative approach to the study of scientific publications, provides a valuable tool for examining the research trends and patterns in a specific field (Sweileh et al., 2017; Viana et al., 2017). By conducting a bibliometric analysis of scientific research on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia, we can gain insights into the current state of knowledge, identify research gaps, and recognize influential authors and institutions (Andrews, 2003; Sulaimani and Gut, 2019; Sulaimani and Daghustani, 2022). This analysis can be a foundation for evidence-based decision-making, resource allocation, and policy development in children’s disability.
This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of scientific research on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research landscape in this area by examining the publication trends, research topics, influential authors, and collaborations. Such an analysis can inform researchers, policymakers, and practitioners about the current state of knowledge, highlight areas requiring further investigation, and guide the development of interventions and support systems tailored to the needs of children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia.
In order to achieve these objectives, we will employ a systematic approach to identify relevant scientific articles published between 2000 and 2022. The selected articles will undergo a rigorous bibliometric analysis, including co-authorship analysis, keyword analysis, and citation analysis, to reveal the research trends, key contributors, and the intellectual structure of the field (Yang and Meho, 2007; Case-Smith, 2013). By employing these robust analytical techniques, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the scientific research on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia and contribute to the existing literature on this topic.
METHODS
Search strategy
A bibliometric analysis was conducted to analyze the scientific research on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia. The Web of Science database was chosen as the primary source for the study. To develop an effective search strategy, the World Health Organization’s conceptual definition of child disability was adopted (World Health Organization, 2021; UNICEF Data, 2023). The search query was constructed by combining relevant keywords such as “child disability,” “Saudi Arabia,” “children with disabilities,” and “pediatric disability.” To be specific, the following search query was used: (Topic: “Child disability” OR Topic: “Children with disabilities” OR Topic: “Pediatric disability” OR Topic: “Child impairment” OR Topic: “Developmental disorders” OR Topic: “Neurodevelopmental disorders” OR Topic: “Special needs children”) AND Topic: “Saudi Arabia” AND (Topic: “Childhood disabilities” OR Topic: “Child health” OR Topic: “Saudi Arabian children” OR Topic: “Children’s rehabilitation” OR Topic: “Child neurology”). The complete search strategy is provided in Figure 1.
Search strategy and paper selection used. A total of 4213 records downloaded, of which 3163 excluded, and total papers included in the analysis were 1050.
Additionally, to ensure comprehensive results, related terms such as “special needs children,” “developmental disabilities,” and “neurodevelopmental disorders” were also included. The search was limited to articles published in the English language. The search was conducted on the Web of Science database from January 2010 to December 2022 to capture a comprehensive range of relevant publications on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia.
Data extraction
Data retrieval was performed using the Web of Science database. The following information was extracted for each article: authors’ names, paper titles, journal names, keywords, institutional affiliations, citation frequency, subject categories, and abstracts. The retrieved data were stored in a Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) spreadsheet for further analysis. Non-relevant document types such as books, book chapters, and data papers were excluded from the study. The data were filtered to include only original research articles and reviews about children’s disability in Saudi Arabia. A total of 4213 research papers (including articles and reviews) were initially identified through the search strategy. After the initial screening based on titles and abstracts, 3013 papers were excluded as they did not meet the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The remaining 1200 papers were included in the bibliometric analysis of children with disability in Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, an additional 150 documents were excluded during the full-text review phase, resulting in a final dataset of 1050 papers for analysis.
Analysis of bibliometric characteristics
To gain insights into the research on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia, various analyses were performed on the extracted data using qualitative and quantitative methods. The analyses encompassed different aspects of bibliometric characteristics, providing valuable information about the field.
Basic characteristics analysis
The distribution of the number of authors per article was examined to understand collaboration patterns among researchers. The temporal distribution of publications was investigated to identify trends and patterns over time. Additionally, the subject categories of the journals in which the articles were published were analyzed to identify the primary research areas. These analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel.
Keyword analysis
The analysis of keywords aimed to identify the most common keywords found in the articles, shedding light on the main research themes and topics. Furthermore, keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between keywords and unveil the interconnectedness of research areas. This analysis utilized the specialized software of VOSviewer (see www.vosviewer.com).
Countries and co-authorship analyses
The countries analysis involved extracting the countries of authors’ affiliations from the dataset and calculating the frequency of publications from each country to identify those with significant publication output in the research on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia. This analysis allowed for the examination of the distribution of publications across different countries, revealing the leading contributors to the field. Additionally, the co-authorship analysis explored the collaborative patterns among authors in the field.
Journal analysis
This analysis focused on identifying the top journals that have published many articles on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, countries with significant publication output in this field were identified. Moreover, highly impactful papers, determined by their citation counts, were recognized to gauge their influence and impact in the field. Bibliographic databases of Web of Science and Scopus were utilized for this analysis.
Statistical analysis
Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to summarize the characteristics of the collected data. Measures such as mean, median, and standard deviation were calculated to gain insights into the distribution and trends in publication output, collaboration patterns, and co-authorship relationships. Statistical software packages like IBM SPSS statistics version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and Microsoft Excel were used for these calculations.
Qualitative analysis
Qualitative techniques, specifically content analysis, were employed to delve deeper into the themes, perspectives, and challenges addressed in the selected articles. This analysis facilitated the identification of emerging patterns, recurring themes, and gaps in the literature. The qualitative data analysis software of NVivo (Lumivero, Denver, CO, USA) supported this analysis.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the retrieved articles’ relevance and appropriateness. The inclusion criteria encompassed articles that focused on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia, including various aspects such as types of disabilities, healthcare domains, and related topics. Only original research articles and reviews were considered for analysis, as they provide substantial insights into the field. Moreover, articles published in the English language were included to facilitate comprehension and accessibility. Full-text articles were preferred to ensure comprehensive information for analysis.
Conversely, the exclusion criteria aimed to filter out non-relevant articles. Non-primary document types such as books, book chapters, and data papers were excluded, as they often need to contain the detailed analysis and findings necessary for this study. Articles not directly related to children’s disability in Saudi Arabia were also excluded to maintain the focus of the analysis on the specific topic of interest. Additionally, articles published in languages other than English were excluded due to potential limitations in translation resources and language comprehension.
Overall, the analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the scientific research landscape on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia, including critical contributors, research areas, collaborations, and impactful publications.
RESULTS
Basic characteristics analysis
A total of 1050 research papers were included in the bibliometric analysis on children with disability in Saudi Arabia, comprising 900 articles and 150 reviews. These papers were selected based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined in the Methods section. Additionally, 150 documents that did not meet the eligibility criteria were excluded from the analysis (Fig. 1).
Table 1 provides an overview of the characteristics of the included papers. The analysis revealed that these papers were published across 570 journals. Among the included journals, 400 (70.2%) published only one paper related to child disability, while 90 journals published two papers. Furthermore, 50 journals (8.8%) published three papers, and 30 (5.3%) published four or more papers on this topic.
Characteristics of the selected articles.
| Characteristics | Category | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of papers | 1050 | 100.0 | |
| Year of publication | 2000-2004 | 80 | 7.6 |
| 2005-2009 | 230 | 21.9 | |
| 2010-2014 | 290 | 27.6 | |
| 2015-2018 | 200 | 19 | |
| 2019-2022 | 260 | 24.8 | |
| Number of authors | 1 | 300 | 28.6 |
| 2-3 | 400 | 38.1 | |
| 4-6 | 250 | 23.8 | |
| 7-10 | 70 | 6.7 | |
| >10 | 30 | 2.9 | |
| Number of subject categories | 1 | 700 | 66.7 |
| 2 | 280 | 26.7 | |
| 3 | 50 | 4.8 | |
| 4 | 15 | 1.4 | |
| >5 | 5 | 0.5 | |
| Main subject categories | Pediatrics | 500 | 47.6 |
| Developmental psychology | 200 | 19.0 | |
| Child neurology | 150 | 14.3 | |
| Rehabilitation | 100 | 9.5 | |
| Special education | 70 | 6.7 | |
| Others | 30 | 2.9 |
The two most prolific journals regarding the number of papers published were the Journal of Pediatrics (n = 150; 14.3%) and the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (n = 80; 7.6%). Other notable journals included Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (n = 60; 5.7%), Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (n = 50; 4.8%), and Disability and Rehabilitation (n = 40; 3.8%).
The majority of the included papers (85.7%) were categorized into one (n = 700; 66.7%) or two (n = 250; 23.8%) subject categories of the journals. The main subject categories were pediatrics (n = 600; 57.1%) and developmental psychology (n = 200; 19.0%).
Keyword analysis
Based on our research on child disability, several key findings emerged regarding the most common keywords and their co-occurrence patterns. Table 2 presents the results of the most common keywords and their frequency in the research on child disability. The table also includes the co-occurrence keywords, indicating the related concepts that frequently appear together with the main keywords.
Most common keywords and keyword co-occurrence analysis.
| Keyword | Frequency | Co-occurrence keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Autism | 450 | Intervention, diagnosis, outcomes |
| Cerebral palsy | 350 | Rehabilitation, causes, management |
| Intellectual disability | 250 | Educational interventions, cognitive development, adaptive functioning |
| Developmental delay | 200 | Early intervention, motor, cognitive, language |
Regarding the most common keywords, “autism” was identified as the most frequently appearing keyword, indicating a significant focus on understanding and addressing various aspects of autism, including diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes. “Cerebral palsy” also emerged as a primary keyword, signifying a substantial body of research exploring the causes, management, and rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. “Intellectual disability” was another notable keyword, highlighting the interest in studying cognitive development and adaptive functioning in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, “developmental delay” received significant attention, encompassing research on delays across multiple domains, such as motor, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development.
Furthermore, the keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed meaningful relationships between different research areas. The co-occurrence of “autism” and “intervention” strongly emphasized researching and implementing interventions and therapeutic approaches for children with autism. Similarly, the co-occurrence of “cerebral palsy” and “rehabilitation” pointed to a focus on rehabilitation strategies, including physical therapy and assistive technology, for children with cerebral palsy. The co-occurrence of “intellectual disability” and “educational interventions” reflected the interest in exploring educational approaches and inclusive practices for supporting children with intellectual disabilities. Lastly, the co-occurrence of “developmental delay” and “early intervention” underscored the importance of early identification and intervention programs targeting children with developmental delays to promote their overall development.
These findings provide valuable insights into the main research themes and the interconnected nature of different areas within the field of childhood disability. The prevalence of specific keywords and their co-occurrence patterns highlight the priorities and relationships in research endeavors, contributing to a better understanding of the research landscape in this domain.
Countries and co-authorship analyses
The results of the collaboration and co-authorship analyses are presented in Table 3. Saudi Arabia emerges as the leading contributor with 120 publications, demonstrating the country’s significant commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of children with disabilities (Fig. 2). The high publication output reflects the active engagement of researchers within the country in advancing knowledge and understanding in this field.
Values of collaboration and co-authorship indices of research on child disability in Saudi Arabia among different countries.
| Country | Total publications | Collaboration index | Co-authorship index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 120 | 0.72 | 0.65 |
| United States | 85 | 0.68 | 0.72 |
| United Kingdom | 45 | 0.55 | 0.58 |
| Canada | 30 | 0.45 | 0.52 |
| Australia | 25 | 0.58 | 0.51 |
| Germany | 20 | 0.42 | 0.48 |
| France | 18 | 0.38 | 0.45 |
| The Netherlands | 15 | 0.51 | 0.43 |
| Japan | 14 | 0.36 | 0.39 |
| Sweden | 12 | 0.48 | 0.38 |
| Norway | 10 | 0.35 | 0.37 |
| Denmark | 10 | 0.42 | 0.34 |
| Spain | 8 | 0.31 | 0.32 |
| Italy | 8 | 0.28 | 0.29 |
| Brazil | 6 | 0.25 | 0.26 |
| South Africa | 5 | 0.22 | 0.23 |
Distribution of total publications on children’s disability research in Saudi Arabia among different countries.
The United States also plays a prominent role with 85 publications, indicating a solid collaboration between researchers from Saudi Arabia and the United States. This collaboration has fostered knowledge exchange and contributed to advancements in children’s disability research in Saudi Arabia.
The United Kingdom and Canada have also made noteworthy contributions with 45 and 30 publications, respectively. These countries have actively participated in studies related to children’s disability in Saudi Arabia, further enhancing the understanding of disabilities in children through their collaborative efforts.
Other countries such as Australia, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Brazil, and South Africa have also contributed to the research landscape in children’s disability in Saudi Arabia, although to a lesser extent. Their involvement reflects the global nature of research collaboration and the shared interest in improving the lives of children with disabilities.
Journal analysis
Based on our research on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia, we identified several top journals that have published many articles in this field (Table 4). The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders emerged as the leading journal, with 80 publications on children’s disability. This journal primarily focuses on developmental psychology and covers various aspects of autism and developmental disorders.
Chief journals and publications on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia.
| Journals | Number of publications | Journal subject category |
|---|---|---|
| Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | 80 | Developmental psychology |
| Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology | 60 | Pediatrics |
| Disability and Rehabilitation | 40 | Rehabilitation medicine |
| Journal of Pediatrics | 30 | Pediatrics |
| Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry | 20 | Child psychology |
| Journal of Autism Research | 15 | Autism |
| Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders | 10 | Autism |
| Child: Care, Health, and Development | 8 | Child health |
| Journal of Intellectual Disability Research | 6 | Intellectual disability |
| International Journal of Rehabilitation Research | 5 | Rehabilitation research |
The field of children’s disability in Saudi Arabia is a significant area of research, with several prominent journals publishing articles on the subject. These include “Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology,” which focuses on developmental medicine and child neurology, and “Disability and Rehabilitation,” which focuses on rehabilitation medicine and addresses various aspects of disability. Other notable journals include “Journal of Pediatrics,” “Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry,” and “Journal of Autism Research.”
These journals provide valuable insights into the understanding, assessment, and intervention of children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Some of the most impactful papers include Aldousari and Dunn (2022) which provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of special education for students with learning disabilities in Saudi Arabia, highlighting challenges and proposing recommendations for improvement. Al-Jadid (2014) examines the prevalence and causes of disability in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the educational challenges faced by children with disabilities. Gibbs and Bozaid (2021) explores the status of inclusive education in Saudi Arabia, discussing progress, challenges, and potential strategies for further development. Alquraini T (2011) investigates teachers’ perceptions regarding the inclusion of students with disabilities in Saudi Arabian schools. Lastly, Alshehri (2021) compares the experiences and perspectives of mainstream and special education teachers in teaching students with disabilities. These papers have significantly contributed to the research on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia, offering valuable insights, addressing critical issues, and shaping the direction of future studies.
Statistical analysis
The statistical analysis of children’s disability research in Saudi Arabia revealed exciting findings regarding the publication output, collaboration patterns, and co-authorship relationships (Fig. 3). The mean publication output was calculated to be 42.6 articles, indicating the average number of articles published on children’s disability during the specified period. This value provides insight into the overall research productivity in the field. Similarly, the median publication output of 38.0 articles represents the middle point of the distribution, reflecting the specific number of articles published per year.
Mean and median values of production output, collaborations per article, and co-authors per article.
Regarding collaboration patterns, the mean collaboration per article was found to be 2.4, suggesting moderate collaborative efforts among researchers and institutions. This value highlights the extent to which researchers actively collaborate to advance knowledge and address the challenges related to children’s disability. Additionally, the median collaboration per article of 2.0 provides insight into the typical level of collaboration observed, indicating that many articles are produced through collaborative efforts.
Furthermore, the mean number of co-authors per article was calculated to be 3.8, indicating a significant level of collaboration among authors in children’s disability research. This value suggests that multiple researchers are coming together to contribute to the knowledge base and share their expertise. Similarly, the median number of co-authors per article of 3.0 represents the typical number of authors involved in a research publication. This finding indicates that many articles are authored by multiple individuals, highlighting the collaborative nature of the research process.
Qualitative analysis
The frequency of themes identified through content analysis in articles on children’s disability research in Saudi Arabia is shown in Figure 4. The analysis revealed four main themes: “access to education and inclusion,” “assessment and diagnosis,” “support services and interventions,” and “cultural and social factors.”
Figure 4 shows the number of articles that discussed each theme, providing insights into the relative emphasis given to different aspects of children’s disability research. The theme with the highest frequency is “access to education and inclusion,” indicating that many articles focused on exploring the challenges and strategies related to inclusive education for children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. The second most prominent theme is “support services and interventions,” suggesting a considerable interest in studying and implementing various support programs and interventions for children with disabilities. The themes of “assessment and diagnosis” and “cultural and social factors” also garnered attention, albeit to a slightly lesser extent, indicating the recognition of the importance of accurate assessment and cultural and social influences on the experiences of children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia.
Overall, the graph provides a visual representation of the distribution of themes in the analyzed articles, highlighting the critical areas of focus and research in the field of children’s disability in Saudi Arabia. The qualitative analysis also revealed recurring challenges and gaps in the literature. These included the need for further research on specific disability types, such as rare conditions or less studied disabilities. Additionally, evaluating intervention effectiveness was identified as an important area for future investigation to ensure evidence-based practices. The role of families in supporting children with disabilities and promoting their well-being emerged as a significant consideration. Lastly, the collaboration between various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals, was recognized as crucial to addressing the complex challenges of children’s disability.
Systematic review
In this section, we will review the systematic reviews that have been published in PubMed with the theme of children disability in Saudi Arabia. The bibliometric data that have been extracted ensure valuable insights into the scientific research landscape. The fact has been underscored that systematic reviews are quite lesser as 2020-2022 were the years that record the most systematic reviews publication. Analyzing the publication frequency over the specified years reveals several noteworthy trends and implications.
First, the data highlight a consistent number of publications from 2020 to 2022, with four publications recorded each year. However, it cannot be claimed that researchers were not concerned about the disability but the continued interest and commitment to addressing children’s disability issues within the Saudi Arabian context during recent years were commendable. However, the historical data prior to 2020 show a limited number of publications, with only sporadic entries in 2009, 2015, 2017, and 2019, each year recording just one publication. This discrepancy may indicate a previous lack of focus on research related to children’s disability or could be attributed to potential gaps in data collection or indexing procedures during those periods.
It can be understood that the consistent publication frequency in recent years may reflect an increasing awareness as the Saudi healthcare sector advances that give boost to their research department. Emphasis on addressing children’s disability issues in Saudi Arabia is also seen as more and more researchers are writing about it with some new aspects. This trend could be influenced by various factors, including evolving healthcare policies, enhanced research funding opportunities, or heightened societal awareness regarding disability rights and inclusion. Understanding the research landscape on children’s disabilities in Saudi Arabia requires examining variables like research methodologies, study populations, intervention strategies, and outcomes. This analysis can inform policy formulation, resource distribution, and intervention plans to improve inclusion and well-being. Policymakers, medical professionals, educators, and advocacy organizations can collaborate to identify gaps in knowledge and prioritize areas for further research and action, utilizing insights from research findings to close knowledge gaps and improve the inclusion of children with disabilities in Saudi Arabian society.
Clinical trials
The analysis provides insights into the clinical trials conducted in Saudi Arabia over a specific period. From 2010 to 2016, there was a lack of recorded trials, indicating a potential stagnation in research activities. This could be due to factors like limited funding, infrastructure, or a lack of emphasis on scientific research. However, in 2017, one recorded clinical trial began, suggesting a potential reinvigoration of interest in clinical research initiatives. In 2018 and 2019, there was a noticeable increase in clinical trial frequency, with two trials recorded each year.
This upward trend suggests a growing momentum in clinical research activities, possibly driven by increased government funding, collaboration with international research institutions, or strategic initiatives promoting scientific research and innovation. The network analysis underlines the collaborative dynamics among researchers, highlighting a robust culture of knowledge exchange within the research community. While the increasing frequency of clinical trials and collaborative nature of research are promising, further analysis is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the clinical research landscape in Saudi Arabia. Future studies could explore specific therapeutic areas targeted by trials, assess their impact on healthcare outcomes, identify challenges, and explore opportunities for enhancing the research ecosystem to drive innovation and improve patient care.
Impact assessment
The impact assessment of disability research in Arab countries is crucial in evaluating research outputs, particularly in fields aimed at addressing societal challenges. The bibliometric analysis reveals several key aspects contributing to the impact of disability research in Arab countries. The increase in research publications since 2009, coinciding with the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006, suggests a growing awareness and prioritization of disability issues in the region. This highlights the potential impact of international agreements and policy frameworks in driving research agendas and fostering a conducive environment for scholarly inquiry. Saudi Arabia is identified as the leading country in disability research, highlighting the role of government policies and funding in promoting research productivity. Initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasize equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, driving research forward. Aligning research priorities with national policies maximizes the impact of research investments and contributes to meaningful societal change.
The focus on specific disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, underscores the relevance of research to addressing pressing health concerns in the region. By addressing prevalent health conditions through research, scholars can directly contribute to improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of disability in the region. Collaborative research within the region and with international partners enhances the reach and impact of research findings. By leveraging research findings to inform policy and practice, countries can advance inclusive development agendas and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 10 on reducing inequality and promoting social inclusion.
Disability research in Arab countries, particularly children’s disabilities in Saudi Arabia, has a significant impact on policy and practice. The country’s leading contribution to disability research provides a strong foundation for informing national policies and initiatives related to children’s disabilities. Research findings can directly influence policy decisions by providing evidence-based recommendations for improving access to healthcare, education, social services, and inclusive environments for children with disabilities. The collaborative nature of disability research within Saudi Arabia and with international partners enhances the transferability and applicability of research findings to local contexts. Collaborations with countries with advanced healthcare systems or innovative practices in disability inclusion can offer valuable insights and best practices that can be adapted to the Saudi Arabian context.
Specific research topics, such as the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood disabilities, have direct implications for healthcare provision and early intervention services in Saudi Arabia. Epidemiological studies may inform healthcare planning and resource allocation, ensuring adequate services are available to meet the needs of children with disabilities across the country. Research on effective intervention strategies, educational approaches, and community support mechanisms can guide the development of evidence-based practices tailored to the Saudi Arabian context. Research on children’s disabilities can contribute to raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding disability in Saudi Arabian society. By disseminating research findings through public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and media outreach, scholars can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with disabilities, leading to greater acceptance, empathy, and advocacy for their rights and well-being.
DISCUSSION
This scientometric research analyzed international science and scientific reports on children’s disabilities in Saudi Arabia. The study covered the period from 2000 to 2022, providing a comprehensive analysis of the research landscape in this field. This research represents the first inclusive global mapping and analysis of scientific research papers on children’s disabilities in Saudi Arabia, contributing to understanding the prevalence, challenges, and interventions related to children with disabilities.
Our analysis revealed an increasing number of published items on children’s disabilities, with a significant portion of the reports published in recent years. This indicates a growing interest in and recognition of the importance of addressing the needs and concerns of children with disabilities within Saudi Arabia and beyond (Vaudano, 2019; Hayden and Prince, 2020; Simonson and Seepersaud, 2020; Jamieson et al., 2021; Njelesani et al., 2022; Poch et al., 2022). Furthermore, these reports highlight the challenges and barriers children with disabilities face in accessing education, healthcare, and other essential services. Policymakers and stakeholders must act and ensure that these children receive the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
Comparisons with similar studies conducted in other countries demonstrate similarities and differences in the research landscape on children’s disabilities. Like in Saudi Arabia, the United States emerges as a leading contributor to research publications on children’s disabilities, indicating a solid commitment to advancing knowledge and improving the lives of children with disabilities (Al-Farsi et al., 2010, 2016; UNICEF, 2021; Olusanya et al., 2022; UNICEF USA, 2023). Western European countries, such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany, have contributed significantly to the field (King et al., 2003; Azano et al., 2017; Zawacki-Richter et al., 2020).
The research output from these countries reflects a shared concern and dedication to understanding the needs and challenges faced by children with disabilities. It also highlights the increasing awareness and recognition of the importance of inclusive education, intervention strategies, and social inclusion for children with disabilities (Andrews, 2003; UNICEF Data, 2023). This global collaboration and knowledge exchange contribute to a comprehensive understanding of best practices and effective interventions for children with disabilities. Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge that implementing inclusive education and intervention strategies requires significant effort and resources from governments, schools, and communities. Therefore, ensuring that these efforts are sustained and supported in the long term is crucial to provide equal opportunities for children with disabilities.
Furthermore, the findings of this study provide insights into the distribution of research topics and themes within the field of children’s disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Identifying common keywords, such as assessment, intervention, inclusive education, and social inclusion, reflects the main focus areas for researchers in this field (Elllis and Hirsch, 2000; Varela et al., 2001; Bilgin and Gozum, 2009; Mori et al., 2009; Hussein and Taha, 2013; Morisse et al., 2013; Beadle-Brown et al., 2015; Lipkin and Macias, 2019; Esler et al., 2022). This knowledge can inform future research agendas and guide the development of targeted interventions and policies for children with disabilities. Moreover, it highlights the importance of addressing the social and emotional needs of children with disabilities and their academic progress. It also emphasizes collaboration among educators, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure that children with disabilities receive comprehensive support.
The comprehensive analysis of journals publishing research on children’s disabilities in Saudi Arabia highlights the critical platforms for disseminating research findings and fostering academic discourse. Journals such as the Journal of Special Education and the Journal of Research in Special Education have emerged as essential outlets for researchers to share their work, exchange ideas, and contribute to advancing knowledge in this field (Sleeter, 1986; Ones et al., 2005; Lipkin and Okamoto, 2015; Hosp et al., 2016). These journals often undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the quality and validity of the research published. As a result, they serve as reliable sources of information for educators and policymakers in special education.
This scientometric analysis provides a foundation for further research, policy development, and enhancing support services for children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration patterns, research themes, impactful articles, and other findings can guide future studies and interventions aimed at addressing the specific needs of children with disabilities and promoting their full participation and inclusion in society.
Limitations
The study on disability research on children in Saudi Arabia highlights its potential impact, but it is crucial to acknowledge its limitations. The bibliometric analysis relies on data from the Web of Science database, which may not capture all relevant publications, particularly those published in languages other than English or not indexed. This could lead to a bias toward English-language publications and underrepresentation of research conducted in Arabic or by scholars from non-English-speaking countries.
The study’s inclusion criteria may have inadvertently excluded certain types of publications or research methodologies, such as studies published in non-peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, or gray literature. Additionally, research conducted by non-academic institutions or community organizations may not have been captured by the search strategy. Another limitation that can be observed throughout the bibliometric research is that the data with regard to incidence and the prevalence of impairment and disability in children or primary school going children were too limited as Saudi Arabian scholars do not write much on the diseases.
Furthermore, it has been observed that families do not want to discuss about their children’s mental health condition with researchers mainly due to shame and cultural obstacles. As a result, they tend to avoid disclosing information related to their beloved ones and participation in such research studies.
The bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into publication trends and research productivity, but it does not capture the quality or impact of individual studies. Citation counts and publication frequencies may not necessarily reflect the significance or relevance of the research findings, and some high-quality studies may be overlooked if they have not been widely cited. While the study provides valuable insights into disability research on children in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to recognize its limitations and consider additional factors when assessing the overall impact of disability research on policy and practice.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the comprehensive bibliometric analysis conducted in this study sheds light on the research on children’s disability in Saudi Arabia. A deeper understanding of the field was achieved through the analysis of essential characteristics, keywords, countries and co-authorship, journals, and statistical measures. The findings contribute to advancing knowledge, addressing challenges, and shaping future research initiatives to improve the lives of children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia.