Global Trend Health Literacy Research for Self-Management of Non-Communicable Diseases: A Bibliometric Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22437/proca.v2i3.59969Keywords:
bibliometric analysis, family medicine, health literacy, non-communicable diseases, primary care, self-managementAbstract
Background: Health literacy is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of effective self-management and improved health outcomes among individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As the global burden of chronic diseases continues to rise, understanding the development and direction of research in this field is essential. Objective: This study aimed to analyze global publication trends, leading contributors, and emerging research themes related to health literacy and self-management for NCDs. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database. English-language journal articles published between 2020 and 2026 were retrieved using predefined search terms related to health literacy, self-management, primary care, family medicine, and NCDs. A total of 338 articles met the inclusion criteria. Bibliometric mapping and network visualization were performed using VOSviewer to examine publication trends, productive countries and institutions, and keyword co-occurrence. Results: Scientific publications showed a consistent increase during the study period. The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom were the leading contributors, while institutions specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, nursing, and public health produced the highest research output. Keyword analysis identified primary care, self-management, chronic disease, and chronic disease management as the dominant research themes, with recent studies increasingly focusing on health education, multimorbidity, public health, and patient-centered care. Conclusion: Research on health literacy and self-management for NCDs continues to expand and is shifting toward multidisciplinary, patient-centered approaches. These findings provide valuable evidence for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in strengthening primary care and developing future health literacy interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Armaidi Darmawan, Andika Sulistiawan, Budi Justisia, Wahyu Indah Dewi Aurora, Erny Kusdiyah
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