Abstract: TH-PO837
Women as Leaders in Nephrology Research: Have We Bridged the Gender Gap?
Session Information
- Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in Kidney Health and Care
October 24, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Jhaveri, Darshil K., Herricks Union Free School District, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Munir, Kiran, Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York, United States
- Jhaveri, Kenar D., Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York, United States
- Attieh, Rose Mary, Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York, United States
Background
Significant efforts have been made in the field of nephrology to advocate for the professional development and inclusion of women. However, it remains unclear whether these efforts have materialized. We aimed to assess the current state of research leadership among women in nephrology by analyzing gender disparities in original research output and in number of citations per article across key nephrology subspecialties.
Methods
Abstracts accepted for oral presentation at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week meetings 2017-2020 were reviewed to capture impactful nephrology research. A subset focusing on glomerular diseases (GN), transplant, and onconephrology was selected. The gender of the first or last author (FLA) was recorded. Public databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were interrogated to find corresponding articles. The number of citations per article was analyzed for academic influence.
Results
336 abstracts were screened. 50.6% (N=170) had male-only FLA and 49.4% (N=166) had at least 1 female FLA (table 1). 75.9% of abstracts (N=129) with male-only FLAs were eventually developed into full articles vs 84.9% (N=140) of abstracts with at least 1 female FLA. There was a very strong correlation between FLA gender groups on the abstract and on the full article (p-value<0.001), and no significant inter-group difference in any of the following: average number of abstracts having corresponding articles with FLAs of same gender group (p=0.32), average number of abstracts having corresponding articles with FLAs of the opposite gender group (p=0.85), average number of abstracts which did not result in a full article (p=0.35). In addition, we found no statistically significant difference in the median number of citations per article between FLA gender groups (95% confidence interval [CI] [-5;5]; p-value 0.97) (table 2).
Conclusion
This is the first report to demonstrate that male and female researchers in nephrology now exhibit comparable academic performance and influence. While our findings are encouraging, women in the field still face numerous obstacles, and the road to true and sustainable gender equity remains long.
Funding
- Private Foundation Support