Georg Richtig, Markus Richtig, Wolfram Hoetzenecker, Werner Saxinger, Bernhard Lange-Asschenfeldt, Andreas Steiner, Robert Strohal, Christian Posch, Johann W. Bauer, Robert R. Müllegger, Teresa Deinlein, Norbert Sepp, Beatrix Volc-Platzer, Van Anh Nguyen, Matthias Schmuth, Christoph Hoeller, Gudrun Pregartner, Erika Richtig
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3037

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and influence of predatory journals in the field of dermatology in Austria. A total of 286 physicians (50.5% men) completed a questionnaire. The vast majority of subjects read scientific articles (n = 281, 98.3%) and took them into consideration in their clinical decision-making (n = 271, 98.5% of participants that regularly read scientific literature). Open access was known by 161 (56.3%), predatory journals by 84 (29.4%), and the Beall’s list by 19 physicians (6.7%). A total of 117 participants (40.9%) had been challenged by patients with results from the scientific literature, including 9 predatory papers. Participants who knew of predatory journals had a higher level of education as well as scientific experience, and were more familiar with the open-access system (p < 0.001). These results indicate that the majority of dermatologists are not familiar with predatory journals. This is particularly the case for physicians in training and in the early stages of their career.

Predatory journals are an emerging problem within the scientific community, but knowledge of these journals and their influence on dermatology, have not been investigated. Most dermatologists are not aware of predatory journals, but scientifically active and older physicians are more likely to know of predatory journals. Some physicians have been confronted by patients with predatory literature, thus it is necessary to educate doctors about this issue.

Predatory Journals in Dermatology: A Hidden Danger
Predatory Journals in Dermatology: A Hidden Danger

Appendix S1