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Knowledge Gaps in Health Care Research in Older Adults in Ecuador: Policy Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract:

Older adults historically have been excluded from biomedical research, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to assess the scientific production of older adults-related publications (OARPs) in Ecuador and uncover research gaps to inform health and aging policy. A Scopus search was performed to retrieve OARPs published from 2008 to 2018. Bibliometric indicators studied included the number of publications per year, study design, research focus, and research lines. A total of 121 OARPs were retrieved. Sixty-four articles (~ 53%) were excluded. Overall, the most common study designs were cross-sectional and case–control studies, 84.2% (n = 48) and 8.8% (n = 5), respectively. The primary research focus was in the clinical-surgical area (~ 51%), and the most prevalent research lines were in the epidemiology of older-related diseases (35%) and causes of older-related diseases (26.3%). Across the analyzed period, we were not able to find studies related with aging policy, and we found only one OARP dedicated to diagnosis/treatment and provision of geriatric services, respectively. Ecuadorian OARPs were scarce during the last decade, providing limited evidence to address health priorities of the local older population and to inform health policy making. Improving research on the older population would provide valuable inputs to key stakeholders to perform evidence-based policy development that ultimately will improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes in Ecuador and other LMICs.