Intellectual structure of knowledge in Andrology field (2008 to 2017): A Co-word analysis

Background: The Co-word analysis has the ability to identify the intellectual structureof knowledge in a research domain and reveal its subsurface research aspects.Objective: This study examines the intellectual structure of knowledge in the field ofAndrology during the period 2008-2017 using Co-word analysis.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study with a scientometricapproach, the WoS database was searched for papers indexed under Andrology overthe period 2008–2017. The data were analyzed using Co-word, clustering methods,and strategic diagram with the help of SPSS, UcInet, RavarPreMap and VOSviewersoftware.Results: The highest publication rate in the area of Andrology was seen in countrieslike the USA, China, Italy, and Iran. The top three journals that published paperson the field were Fertility and Sterility, Andrologia, Human reproduction. The resultsshowed that the keyword Spermatozoa and two pairs of frequently used keywords,namely Azoospermia * Oligospermia were the most frequent in the field of Andrology.The results of hierarchical clustering led to 13 clusters. The clusters ReproductiveTechniques and Spermatogenesis are the core clusters and play an effective role.The Post-Testicular causes and Neoplasm clusters are in marginal.Conclusion: This study represented that Co-word analysis can well illustrate theintellectual structure of an area. Considering the frequency of keywords along withthe clusters obtained, it seems that the majority of research approach was seen oninfertility treatments, especially through assisted reproductive technology. Despite theimportance of psychological aspects as well as education of reproductive health, thesesubjects have not been sufficiently considered.

Keywords:

Andrology , Co-word analysis , Intellectual structure