S2983 Advancing Gender Equity in Gastroenterology Authorship: Trends and Persistent Disparities over a Decade

Introduction: This study explores gender disparities in authorship within gastroenterology, focusing on trends over the past decade in female representation among first and last authors in leading journals. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 7,394 articles published between January 2013 and December 2023 in 5 high-impact gastroenterology journals, Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Insights, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, BMJ Open Gastroenterology, and Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Gender identification of first and last authors was determined using name-based prediction tools and manual verification. Trends in female representation were analyzed using descriptive statistics and graphical visualization. Results: Female first authorship increased from 24.4% in 2013 to 37.1% in 2023, representing a 52% rise. Female last authorship demonstrated a slower increase, from 16.2% to 20.5%, representing a 26.5% rise. Female first authors accounted for 30.6% of publications, while female last authors represented 20.3%. Variability in female authorship trends was observed across journals, with some demonstrating significant improvements and others displaying limited increases. The peak in publication numbers in 2020 coincided with a noticeable increase in female authorship. Conclusion: The rise in female authors between 2013 and 2023 likely reflects the increase in female gastroenterologists. Increase in female first authors likely suggests the growing recruitment of female gastroenterology (GI) fellows. The slower growth in female last authorship may reflect the limited number of current female attendings and principal investigators. Variations among journals indicates a potential influence of editorial policies and institutional practices on gender equity. However, we expect to see an increase in female last authorship as fellows complete their training and move into leadership roles. Advances in female authorship have been observed in the past 10 years from 2013 to 2023. To maintain this progress, we must continue to foster gender equity in GI through women in GI mentorship and networking programs, inclusive editorial policies, and institutional support. Addressing these disparities is vital to ensuring diverse contributions that enhance scientific innovation and patient care.