Bibliometric Analysis of Public Health and Walkability: A Focus on India

Abstract: The intersection of public health and transportation is becoming increasingly important for research, especially with the increase in obesity rates and negative impacts of sedentary lifestyles. The objective of this research is to carry out a bibliometric analysis using Vosviewer to investigate the current research scenario, pinpoint important patterns, global distribution, and emerging topics in this area, emphasizing India.

Utilizing the Web of Science database, a methodical search was carried out using specific terms related to obesity, India, the built environment, walkability, mobile internet, and lifestyle. The investigation found a grand total of 111 articles released from 2005 to October 2024. The top country in terms of research output was the United States, with China and Australia following behind. Despite its large population and increasing health issues, India only provided a small number of studies i.e. 5.

In the past decade, there has been a significant rise in academic papers on the health effects of transportation, showing a heightened level of interest and awareness in the research field. Furthermore, the exploration of the physical environment, ease of walking, and using active modes of transportation as crucial factors influencing levels of obesity and physical activity potential, and the impact of mobile internet and technology on promoting health behaviors has gained attention as a promising research focus.
Even with advancements, there are still gaps in comprehending the intricate relationship between public health and transportation in India. In India, the increasing problem of obesity and poor lifestyle choices is causing a significant public health issue, resulting in an increase in non-communicable diseases and early mortality. Recent data shows that India is experiencing a major issue of increasing obesity rates, which have been connected to a higher likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other health problems. Research has indicated that the obesity crisis in India can be attributed to poor lifestyle habits, sedentary behavior, and inadequate urban infrastructure, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues through public health initiatives and transportation improvements. India's low research productivity underscores the urgency for heightened academic focus on this crucial matter.

To wrap up, this bibliometric evaluation offers a thorough summary of the current studies on public health and transportation, focusing specifically on India. The results emphasize the significance of cross-disciplinary research that combines public health, urban planning, and transportation engineering to tackle the urgent health problems linked to urbanization and sedentary lifestyles, aiming to foster healthier communities and lessen the impact of obesity-related diseases in India and other areas.
Keywords: Public health, bibliometric, walkability, built-environment