Examination of Research Areas of Behavioral Economics in Health

Abstract

Purpose - The aim of this study is to analyze publications on behavioral economics in health using bibliometric techniques. Design/methodology/approach - Using the Web of Science database, a search was conducted with the keywords "health" and "behavioral economics" within the date range of May 15, 2002, to January 1, 1992, using the "topic" option. The analysis was limited to English publications, including articles and review papers, resulting in the examination of 876 publications. The data were analyzed using the bibliometrix package in the R programming language. Findings - The analysis revealed an increase in the number of publications on the subject of behavioral economics in health after 2008. The author with the highest number of publications and the highest h-index was identified as Volpp, K, and the most cited author was Almlund et al. in 2011. The journal "Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology" emerged as the most influential journal in the field. Among countries, the most collaboration occurred between the United Kingdom and the United States, with a frequency of 28 collaborations. The keyword "behavioral economics" has evolved from 1992 to the present, encompassing preferences, incentives, and health. Discussion - This study will enable researchers to visually comprehend the dynamics and structure of the field of behavioral economics in health, identifying knowledge gaps, new research areas, and potential interdisciplinary collaborations. Researchers in the field can prioritize topics such as physical activity and obesity, which are highly central and dense, as well as behavioral economics and nudging, which are related to the research area but require further development. Additionally, for those considering research in the field of behavioral economics in health, it is evident that this area is rapidly growing and gaining significance. The integration of behavioral economics principles into healthcare decision-making and the use of bibliometric techniques can assist stakeholders in making informed decisions, designing effective interventions, and shaping policies that lead to better health outcomes for individuals and communities.