Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Among Refugees Indexed in Scopus Trends and Insights (2000–2025)

Vollständiger Abstract

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Abstract: Objective: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major mental health concern among refugees, yet the development and structure of Scopus-indexed research on this topic remain insufficiently mapped. This study aimed to examine publication trends, influential contributors, collaboration patterns, and thematic evolution in Scopus-indexed peer-reviewed literature on PTSD among refugees from 2000 to 2025. Method: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using 1,683 peer-reviewed articles retrieved from Scopus. Performance analysis was used to identify trends in publication output, subject areas, countries, institutions, authors, journals, and citation impact. Science-mapping techniques, including coauthorship and keyword co-occurrence analyses, were conducted using VOSviewer version 1.6.18. Results: The findings show substantial growth in Scopus-indexed publications, particularly after major humanitarian crises and recent global displacement events. Research output was concentrated mainly in medicine, psychology, and social sciences, with high-income countries, especially the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia, occupying central positions. Leading institutions and authors formed visible collaboration clusters, although participation from many refugee-hosting regions remained limited. Keyword mapping indicated a thematic shift from early emphasis on prevalence, diagnosis, and clinical symptoms toward resilience, cultural adaptation, social determinants, emotion regulation, and community-based approaches. Conclusion: This study provides a structured overview of Scopus-indexed scholarship on PTSD among refugees. While the literature has expanded considerably, the findings highlight persistent geographic and epistemic imbalances, including limited visibility of non-English, gray, locally produced, and refugee-led knowledge. Future research should broaden database coverage, include diverse languages and knowledge sources, and promote equitable, participatory, and community-grounded approaches to refugee mental health.