JAMA Pediatrics

JAMA Pediatrics. It is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association and is one of the flagship publications within the JAMA Network. The journal is dedicated to publishing original research, clinical reviews, and commentary on the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Its content is aimed at informing clinical practice and shaping health policy to improve pediatric outcomes globally, maintaining a high standard of scientific rigor and clinical relevance.

History and background

The journal's origins trace back to 1911 with the founding of the *American Journal of Diseases of Children*, which was published by the American Medical Association. In 1994, the publication was renamed *Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine* to reflect a broader focus encompassing the health needs of teenagers. A significant transformation occurred in 2013 when, as part of a rebranding of the JAMA Network, it adopted its current name. This change aligned it with other prominent titles like JAMA Internal Medicine and JAMA Surgery, creating a cohesive family of specialty journals under the JAMA umbrella. Throughout its century-long history, the journal has chronicled the evolution of the field, from early studies on infectious diseases like polio and measles to contemporary issues in mental health and chronic illness.

Scope and editorial focus

The journal's scope encompasses the entire spectrum of child and adolescent health. Its editorial focus prioritizes original investigations that advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of diseases affecting young populations. Key areas of emphasis include neonatology, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, oncology, and infectious diseases. It also features research on public health topics such as vaccination uptake, obesity prevention, substance abuse, and the impacts of social media and screen time. The publication includes several distinct article types, including Randomized Clinical Trials, Observational Studies, and Systematic Reviews, alongside educational content like Clinical Challenge and Images in Pediatric Medicine features.

Abstracting, indexing, and impact

The journal is extensively abstracted and indexed in all major scientific databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Science Citation Index Expanded. According to the Journal Citation Reports, it has consistently held a high impact factor, which was 8.2 for the 2022 release, reflecting its influence within the fields of pediatrics and child health. This metric places it among the top-tier journals in its category, alongside publications like The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health and Pediatrics. Its broad indexing ensures global visibility and accessibility for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers affiliated with institutions like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Notable studies and publications

The journal has published numerous landmark studies that have significantly influenced clinical practice and public policy. Notable examples include influential research on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in children, pivotal trials on treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and major epidemiological studies linking early childhood experiences to long-term health outcomes. It has featured groundbreaking work on the human microbiome in infancy, the neurodevelopmental effects of anesthesia, and the public health consequences of e-cigarette use among adolescents. These publications often receive widespread media coverage from outlets like The New York Times and inform guidelines from bodies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Editorial board and governance

The journal is overseen by an Editor-in-Chief, a position held since 2019 by Dimitri A. Christakis, a pediatrician and researcher based at the Seattle Children's Research Institute. The editorial board comprises a diverse panel of leading international experts from disciplines such as pediatric emergency medicine, genetics, endocrinology, and health services research. Governance and publishing standards are maintained by the American Medical Association, with editorial operations supported by the JAMA Network team. The board adheres to strict ethical publishing guidelines set by organizations like the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors to ensure the integrity of the scientific record.

Category:American Medical Association journals Category:Pediatrics journals Category:Monthly journals Category:English-language journals Category:Publications established in 1911