- Articles in companion open access journals received roughly 50% fewer citations than those in traditional journals.
- Companion open access publication fees totaled an estimated $34.9 million, with median charges of $2,000 per article.
- Internal medicine had the highest median fees ($2,997), while obstetrics and gynecology had the lowest ($1,190).
- Female first authors and those from low- and middle-income countries were more likely to publish in companion open access journals.
- Researchers recommended improved transparency, reduced fees, and blinded peer review to enhance equity and credibility in open access publishing.
Source: Accountability in Research
