Objective The Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health was launched 50 years ago. In this paper we describe how research topics have changed over time.

Methods A complete list of all 2899 articles in the past 50 years was compiled. Each article was coded for type of exposure, type of health outcome, research design, first author, and country of correspondence address. Count of citations was based on the Scopus database.

Results Overall, the attention for chemical exposure in the first 30 years has shifted towards the psychosocial work environment, shift work, and physical work load. These shifts in exposure are mirrored by increased attention over time for mental disorders and musculoskeletal disorders. Cardiovascular disorders and cancer have been studied consistently over the past 50 years. Researchers from Scandinavian countries have been responsible for about 50% of the Journal’s content, while authorship has broadened to about 30 countries in recent years.

Conclusion During the past 50 years, some research topics have consistently remained highly visible in the Journal, whereas other topics have gained or lost interest. In terms of authors’ contribution, the Journal has its roots in research from the Nordic countries, but has evolved over time as a truly international periodical with a well-recognized position in research on occupational health.

This article refers to the following texts of the Journal: 2022;48(8):621-631  2022;48(3):229-238  2021;47(7):483-487  2022;48(2):86-98  2021;47(6):446-455  2021;47(5):356-366  2021;47(3):169-170  2020;46(5):455-456  2021;47(1):52-61  2020;46(3):235-247  2018;44(3):229-238  2019;45(5):429-443  2017;43(6):540-549  2017;43(5):447-456  2016;42(3):177-180  2015;41(5):421-424  2015;41(5):491-503  2015;41(1):1-4  2015;41(1):5-15  2014;40(1):5-18  2014;40(1):47-56  2013;39(2):144-154  2010;36(5):404-412  1975;1(4):254-262  1976;2(1):1-13  1976;2(3):129-139  1976;2(4):256-268  1977;3(3):154-159  1984;10(5):321-323  1988;14(3):189-196  1989;15(4):271-279  1991;17(5):337-346  1993;19(2):73-84  1993;19(5):297-312  1993;19(6):414-420  1994;20(4):309-311  2008;34(4):297-306  2008;34(1):55-65  2009;35(1):1-5  2006;32(6):482-492  2006;32(6):443-462  2006;32(6):431-442  2005;31(6):438-449  2004;30(2):85-128  2003;29(6):444-451  2003;29(3):171-188  2001;27(4):279-286  2001;27(1):63-69  1999;25(6):589-596  1999;25(5):387-403  1999;25(2):85-99  1997;23(4):243-256  2022;48(7):520-529  2023;49(1):53-63  2023;49(2):136-144  2023;49(2):156-163  2023;49(4):235-248  2023;49(5):315-329

The following articles refer to this text: 2024;50(1):1-2; 2024;50(3):129-133; 0;0 Special issue:0

Key terms history; research; research trend; Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health; trend

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