Mapping COVID-19 related research from Saudi Arabia, a scoping review. Between reality and dreams

Saudi Med J. 2020 Aug;41(8):791-801. doi: 10.15537/smj.2020.8.25163.

Abstract

To map research production by Saudi-affiliated investigators in order to identify areas of strength and weakness. Method: We followed the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework. Medline and Cochrane databases were searched with a focus on identifying articles related to COVID-19 and Saudi Arabia following the PRISMA protocol. The study was conducted at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between March and May 2020. Results: A total of 53 articles were ultimately included. Most of the research production from Saudi Arabia was opinion and narrative reviews related to the clinicopathological features of COVID-19 as well as control and prevention of virus spread. Conclusion: The results of this scoping review identify a relative deficiency in original research, which requires further investigation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • Biomedical Research*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Saudi Arabia