Analysis of highly cited papers published in Chinese Journal of Endemiology during 2000-2006

Objective To analysis the inherent quality of highly cited papers published in Chinese Journal of Endemiology, so as to identify the direction of invitation for contributions, find high quality articles, and to improve the journal's core competitiveness. Methods Scientific papers published in Chinese Journal of Endemiology from 2000 to 2006, with citation rate equal to or higher than 20 times were retrieved in China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) by December 27, 2010. These articles were statistically analyzed according to publication year, section type, author, and geographical distribution of units. Results A total of 68 highly cited papers were obtained. The citation frequency of the highly cited papers ranged from 20 to 94, with an average of 31.09 times. The highly cited papers were published in 2000 at most, accounting for 25.0%(17/68); followed by 2001,accounting for 20.6% (14/68); at least in 2006, accounting for 2.9% (2/68). Of the highly cited papers, experimental study articles was in the highest proportion of 30.9%(21/68); followed by field epidemiological investigation articles,accounting for 23.5%(16/68); editorial, review articles accounting for 10.3%(7/68) and 8.8%(6/68), respectively;short reports, case reports, meeting records etc were not highly cited papers. The number of highly cited papers in editorial, expert forums, academic contend accounted for higher proportion of total number in corresponding section types(7/19, 3/11, 3/7). Highly cited papers came from 13 provinces(municipalities), there were 10 authors contributed two or more highly cited papers, and 8 units contributed two or more highly cited papers. Conclusions Adequate space should be given to experimental research, field epidemiological investigation, editorial, expert forums andacademic contend articles due to their high rate of citation. More attention should be paid to further consolidate and expand excellent authors group, and to intensify the invitation for key issues from influential experts. Key words: Endemic diseases;  Dissertations, academic;  Bibliometrics