ABSTRACT

Background: Scientometrics also known as the “science of science,” is a term used for the evaluation and investigation of all aspects of scientific literature. Scientometric studies are more extensive than bibliometric research, which only analyses the documents in a certain body of literature. No information was available on Knowledge, Awareness and Perception of Research Scholars of Ayurveda towards Scientometric Analysis and Mapping of Scientific Research Articles on Hirudotherapy with Respect to Medicinal Leech Therapy in India. Aim: The objective of this study was to explore the knowledge, awareness, and perception of research scholars of Ayurveda towards Scientometric Analysis and Mapping of Scientific Research Articles on Hirudotherapy with respect to Medicinal Leech therapy in India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 18 to 25 January-2022, using convenient sampling targeting novice researchers from Parul Institute of Ayurveda (PIA) College and Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research (PIAR) College, Vadodara, Gujarat. This study utilised a self-administered, online questionnaire that was created, designed and disseminated using the Google Forms® platform and distributed through Email and WhatsApp. Participants were those currently only novice research scholarswho were affiliated with Parul University, given informed consent and successfully completed the questionnaire was included in the study (n=138). The questionnaire consisted of four major sections, including sociodemographic variables, knowledge, awareness, and perception of Ayurveda towards Scientometric Analysis and Mapping of Scientific Research Articles on Hirudotherapy with respect to Medicinal Leech therapy. Results: This study achieved a high response rate (69%). There was a high female preponderance (61.59%). More than three-fourths of respondents (78.99%) were young (20–29 years). About 66.67% of respondents answered correctly about understanding the term ‘Mapping of Scientific Research Articles’. A total of 58.69% of the participants (n = 81) understood the term ‘Scientometric Analysis’. A total of 92.75% believed that India as a nation needs to increase its research productivity and efficiency in Ayurveda domains. A total of 92.03% were aware that leech has been used for medicinal purposes. More than half of the respondents (58.70%) were not aware of the terms scientometric analysis and citation metrics. Conclusion: Assessment of the knowledge, awareness, and perception of Ayurveda towards Scientometric Analysis and Mapping of Scientific Research Articles on Hirudotherapy with respect to Medicinal Leech Therapy among novice researchers revealed that the majority of them were not aware of Scientometric Analysis. Further research is required to establish the results of this study on a national level. I also come to the conclusion that organisations need to conduct awareness programmes on Scientometric and information technology topics for Ayurvedic novice researchers. Keywords: KAP Survey, Ayurveda, Scientometrics, Hirudo therapy, Medicinal leech therapy
Publication date: 01/11/2025

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.11.9548