Tracing 28 Years of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research Performance in Saudi Arabia: A Bibliometric Analysis with Visualizations (1995-2023).

AIM

To comprehensively evaluate the research landscape of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Saudi Arabia over a 28-year period (1995-2023), with particular focus on interdisciplinary trends and oral health integration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer and Bibliometrix (R package) were employed to visualize publication trends, author collaborations, institutional output, co-citation networks, and keyword co-occurrence. Search terms targeted OSA-related literature affiliated with Saudi Arabia. Articles were screened for relevance, and descriptive and network analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 409 publications were identified, showing an exponential increase, with a peak of 64 articles in 2023. King Saud University and King Abdulaziz University were the top contributors (297 and 144 publications, respectively). The most prolific author was BaHammam (75 publications, h-index 67). Citation analysis revealed foundational studies in epidemiology and risk factors. Dentistry-related terms such as "malocclusion," "mandibular advancement," and "craniofacial morphology" appeared in 9% of studies, indicating growing interdisciplinary linkages. International collaborations were observed with institutions in North America, Europe, and Asia.

CONCLUSION

Saudi Arabia has demonstrated robust growth in OSA research, with strong institutional leadership and increasing global collaborations. However, integration of oral health perspectives remains limited. Strategic efforts are warranted to expand interdisciplinary research, incorporate dental screening protocols, and enhance the role of oral appliance therapy in national OSA management frameworks. These findings provide actionable insights for healthcare policymakers, researchers, and clinicians aiming to mitigate the country's high OSA burden.