Bibliometric Analysis of the Evolution and Distribution of Research on Analytical Methods for Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean

Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases (CSIDs) are diseases whose prevalence and transmission are heavily influenced by climatic factors, posing a significant challenge to public health, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This study employs a bibliometric analysis to evaluate the evolution and distribution of research on CSID and the analytical methods employed in the field. Using bibliometric and text-mining techniques, the analysis examines publication trends, research hotspots, and methodological developments from 2015 to 2024. The results highlight a regional concentration of research, with Brazil leading in CSID studies, particularly on arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. The analysis also reveals the predominance of regression models, time-series analysis, and spatial analysis as primary methods used to forecast and analyze disease outbreaks. However, advanced techniques such as neural networks and niche modeling are gaining traction, indicating a shift towards more data-intensive approaches. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing forecasting capabilities and integrating analytical models into public-health systems to anticipate the impact of climate change on disease patterns. This study offers critical insights into methodological trends and identifies gaps for future research, contributing to more effective decision making in public health across Latin America and the Caribbean.