Trends in Gender Distribution Among Authors of Research Studies in <i>Pediatrics</i>: 2015–2019

In a previous report on the gender distribution of authors articles published in leading pediatric journals, researchers found disparities proportion written by women relative to men, with some closing gap from 2001 2016.1 2016, 63% pediatricians were women; 58% publications had female first author, but only 38% senior author.1,2 Additionally, reports have that are associated author position and or is higher number collaborating departments institutions.1,3–6 However, our knowledge, this study topic field pediatrics, assessing authorship 5-year intervals through 2016.1The Pediatrics editorial board committed addressing underrepresentation all types, including differences authorship. To begin understand issue, we evaluated regular within past 4.5 years for representation authorship, degree which correlated, other measures collaboration (eg, participating institutions total authors). Regular defined as “original research contributions aim inform clinical practice understanding disease process…includ[ing] not limited trials, interventional studies, cohort case-control epidemiological assessments, surveys.”7 These more recent findings will be used future journal policies address implicit bias review process academic about need support academics.We reviewed January 2015 July 2019, extracting institutions. The was determined following sources, sequence: author’s institutional Web site, ResearchGate, LinkedIn, Doximity. Only 1 affiliation counted per author. Differences categorical variables χ2 tests, median values nonparametrically distributed continuous compared using Mann–Whitney U tests. P < .05 considered statistically significant.From there 1231 articles, involving 9444 authors. Overall, 61% (756) 44% (547) Gender could identified 2% (22) 1% (13) over period shown Fig 1. There no change (P = .25 .63, respectively). coauthors (median: 7 [interquartile range (IQR) 5–9]) 3 [IQR 2–4]) article did .90 .70, respectively).First likely than those male (69% [377 547] vs 56% [375 671]; .001). Senior (50% 756] 36% [164 453]; .001).Female wrote lower 2 1–4] 2–4]; .03). Female also .02). difference basis .62 .98, respectively)We noted important regarding Pediatrics: authors, fewer institutions.The publishing several appears representative physicians pediatrics overall.1,8,9 contrast, field. This may related factors discussed including, to, positions, such division chiefs leaders collaboratives, grant awarding, midcareer burnout.10–12 Nonetheless, pipeline promising findings, if can preserve successful transition these role. Our finding consistent publications.1,3–5 highlight importance guidance young investigators, promoting what an strategy supporting junior faculty. involve centers contrast radiologists.6 Future work needed better less opportunity multisite collaboration.This restriction 4.5-year single journal, original investigations. We assumed serve mentors. consider authors’ subspecialty practice. submission platform during elicit information sex, gender, race and/or ethnicity. categorized pronouns their profiles professional sites able assess whether specific preferences accurately represented. ascertain 1.4% intersectionality ethnicity identification adds additional complex layers into role playing findings.With study, suggest current pool faculty percentage United States. With underscore ensuring progress career pathway increase leadership roles expand engaged subsequent publications.