A comparative analysis of research interest in medical students: an international and Chinese perspective over the past decade using CiteSpace

Abstract

This study explores the current state, research hotspots, and trends in medical students' research interest from both international and Chinese perspectives over the past decade. Using CiteSpace software, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on 2014-2024 literature from the Web of Science (WOS) and CNKI. Results show that international publications have steadily increased, focusing on equity, behavioral theories, and educational reforms, whereas Chinese research fluctuated and emphasized research design and policy implementation. The study highlights methodological differences and regional disparities, providing evidence for optimizing medical education models through comparative analysis.