Since the logarithmic transformed model performed better, only the results of this model were presented.
The multiple linear regression model was also run with logarithmic transformation of the dependent variable (number of citations) to assess for a logarithmic, rather than linear relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Variables significantly associated with the citation count in univariate analysis (p<0.10) were then entered in a backward multiple linear regression model to identify independent predictors of higher number of citations. Initially, the association of each independent variable with the dependent variable (citation count) was assessed with univariate analyses (Mann-Whitney for categorical and Spearman's correlation for continuous variables) we used non-parametric methods, because citations of articles published in General Medicine journals are known to have a non-parametric distribution. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 20.0. In this context, we aimed to examine the factors associated with the number of citations received by published articles, focusing on the article's length. While the effect of journal impact factor – and study design – on citations received has been established by different studies, the published evidence on other potentially relevant variables, such as open access to the full text of the article, – or article length, seems conflicting. Several studies have been conducted to explore the factors associated with the citation count of scientific articles. Researchers commonly aim to publish articles that will attract citations and will thus be regarded to have a high scientific impact, as this may be associated with their career advancement.
This indicator represents the mean number of citations received in an index calendar year, by all the citable articles published in a journal during the previous two years. The citations are also the main factor determining the scientific impact of a journal, as expressed by the journal impact factor. An article's citations are considered a measure of the scientific recognition the study has received, and thus an indicator of its value and impact on the scientific field.
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