Mapping the Scientific Landscape of tribal health in India: A Bibliometric Analysis

This bibliometric analysis maps the scientific landscape of tribal health research in India over a 40-year period (1984–2024), using data from the SCOPUS database. A total of 4035 peer-reviewed articles were included after applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study employs Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to analyze annual trends, contributing authors and institutions, keyword co-occurrences, thematic evolution, and collaboration networks. The results indicate a significant increase in publication volume post-2010, driven predominantly by Indian authors and institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research. The most researched themes include traditional medicine, ethnobotany, vector-borne diseases, and public health. However, there is a notable underrepresentation of mental health, gender-based research, and non-communicable diseases despite their rising prevalence in tribal populations. Social and institutional collaboration networks reveal predominantly national partnerships, with limited global engagement. The intellectual structure is heavily influenced by ethnopharmacological and biomedical research, while conceptual mapping shows that several core themes remain underdeveloped. The discussion critically evaluates these findings using theoretical frameworks such as the Health Belief Model, Social Ecological Model, and Diffusion of Innovations theory, identifying major gaps in participatory research, interdisciplinary approaches, and translational impact. This study underscores the urgent need to shift from descriptive to interventional research, expand international collaborations, and integrate social sciences for a more holistic understanding of tribal health. These insights are essential for aligning future research priorities with public health needs and achieving equitable healthcare delivery for India’s tribal communities.