AuthorGuidelines
Manuscript preparation
Language: All manuscripts must be written in English. Ensure clarity, conciseness, and consistency throughout the manuscript.
Format: Submit your manuscript as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx). Use a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-point) and double-space the text.
Tittle page: Include the title of the manuscript, the names and affiliations of all authors, and the contact information of the corresponding author.
Abstract: Provide an abstract of no more than 250 words summarizing the background, methods, results, and conclusions of the study. Avoid references in the abstract.
Keywords: Include 4-6 keywords that accurately reflect the content of the manuscript.
Variations specific to community services journals
Focus on community impact: Emphasis on how research findings or case reports impact community health, policy, or practice.
Practice-based insight: Greater emphasis on practical implications and recommendations for community services professionals.
Community engagement: Guidelines might include aspects of community involvement or stakeholder engagement in the research process.
Local context: Manuscripts may need to address or highlight how findings are relevant to specific communities or regions.
Specific additions for community services journals
Community relevance: A section or emphasis on how the research addresses community needs or gaps in services.
Policy implications: Discussion of implications for policy or practice in community settings.
Stakeholder involvement: Details on involvement or feedback from community stakeholders or organizations.
Types of manuscripts
Original research – length up to 4,000 words, excluding references.
Introduction
It consists of background, rationale and objective of your study. For background, provide a concise review of the existing literature that sets the context for your research. Highlight gaps or unresolved issues that your study addresses. For rationale, explain the importance and relevance of your study. Justify why the research was needed. And for the objectives, clearly state the primary and secondary objectives of the study. Formulate research questions or hypotheses if applicable.
Methods
Study Design: Describe the type of study conducted (e.g., randomized controlled trial, cohort study, qualitative research).
Setting: Provide details about the location and context where the study was conducted.
Participants: Detail the criteria for participant selection, including inclusion and exclusion criteria. Provide information on the number of participants, recruitment methods, and demographic characteristics.
Interventions: Describe any interventions or exposures in detail, including their duration, frequency, and delivery method.
Data Collection: Explain the procedures and tools used for data collection. Include information about the validity and reliability of instruments.
Outcome Measures: Define the primary and secondary outcome measures, including how they were assessed.
Data Analysis: Describe the statistical or qualitative methods used to analyze the data. Mention any software used and the rationale for choosing specific analytical techniques.
Ethical Approval: State that the study received ethical approval from an appropriate review board and provide the approval number.
Results
Participant Flow: Use a flow diagram to show the number of participants at each stage of the study (e.g., enrollment, intervention allocation, follow-up, and analysis).
Baseline Data: Provide a summary of the baseline characteristics of the study participants.
Outcomes: resent the findings for each primary and secondary outcome. Use tables and figures to illustrate the results where appropriate. Ensure all data are clearly labeled and include measures of variability (e.g., confidence intervals, standard deviations).
Subgroup Analyses: If any subgroup analyses were conducted, report their findings.
Discussion
Principal Findings: Summarize the main findings of the study in relation to the study objectives.
Comparison with Existing Literature: Compare your results with findings from previous studies. Discuss similarities and differences and provide possible explanations for discrepancies.
Implications: Discuss the implications of your findings for clinical practice, policy, and future research. Highlight the contribution of your study to the field.
Strengths and Limitations: Acknowledge the strengths of your study (e.g., robust methodology, large sample size) and discuss its limitations (e.g., potential biases, generalizability issues).
Future Directions: Suggest areas for further research based on your findings and identified gaps.
Conclusion
Provide a concise summary of the key findings and their significance. Reiterate the contribution of the study to the field and suggest practical applications if applicable.
Case Reports – up to 2,500 words
Introduction
Background: Provide a brief overview of the condition or issue being presented. Highlight the relevance and uniqueness of the case.
Objectives: Clearly state the purpose of presenting this case report.
Case Presentation
Patient Information: Include the patient’s age, sex, and relevant medical history.
Clinical Findings: Describe the patient’s symptoms, signs, and any initial diagnostic tests or assessments.
Diagnostic Assessment: Detail the diagnostic process, including laboratory tests, imaging studies, and differential diagnoses considered.
Interventions: Describe the treatments or interventions administered, including medications, surgeries, or other therapeutic procedures.
Follow-up and Outcomes: Provide information on the patient’s progress, follow-up visits, and final outcomes. Include any complications or adverse events.
Confirm that informed consent was obtained from the patient or their legal guardian for publication of the case details. Include a statement to this effect in the manuscript.
Discussion
Analysis: Discuss the significance of the case, comparing it with similar cases in the literature. Highlight any novel aspects of the case.
Implications for Practice: Explain the implications of the findings for clinical practice. Provide recommendations or guidelines based on the case.
Literature Review: Conduct a brief review of the relevant literature to place the case in context. Discuss similarities and differences with previously reported cases.
Lessons Learned: Summarize the key takeaways and clinical lessons from the case.
- Tables and figures
Number tables and figures consecutively and provide titles and captions. Ensure high resolution and include any necessary permissions for copyrighted material.
Ethical considerations
Ensure compliance with ethical standards for research involving human or animal subjects. Include a statement confirming ethical approval from an appropriate review board.
References
Follow the [insert reference style, e.g., APA, Vancouver] format for all citations. Ensure that all references are complete, accurate, and formatted consistently. Include DOI numbers where available.
Conflict of interest
Disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the research findings or interpretation.
Acknowledgement
Acknowledge any individuals or organizations that contributed to the study but did not meet the criteria for authorship. Mention any funding sources.
Supplementary materials
Indicate if there are any supplementary materials available online, such as datasets, multimedia files, or additional tables and figures.
