EDITORIAL INTEGRITY AND TRANSPARENCY
JoWaCH prioritizes editorial integrity and transparency. In-house submissions involving editorial board members undergo independent review by unbiased editors, and potential conflicts of interest are disclosed throughout the publication process. This commitment to transparency ensures fair and ethical treatment for all authors.
OVERVIEW
Please read carefully the Journal Policy and the submission guidelines below before planning, preparing, or submitting your manuscript.JoWaCH's Emphasis on Novelty and Rigor
- JoWaCH prioritizes Original Research Articles that present not only well-conducted research but also novel and impactful findings. Authors should demonstrate how their work advances the field or addresses a critical unmet need.
- Methodological rigor is paramount. The chosen research methods must be appropriate for the study question and employed in a sound and transparent manner. Statistical analyses should be performed correctly and interpreted accurately.
Contributing to Knowledge Advancement:
- By publishing high-quality Original Research Articles, JoWaCH facilitates the dissemination of valuable knowledge and insights that can drive progress in Women and Child Health. Authors contributing to this format play a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of understanding and contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Remember:
- When preparing an Original Research Article for JoWaCH, prioritize clear communication, rigorous methodology, and novel findings.
- Adhere to the journal's formatting guidelines and structural requirements to ensure your work is presented in a professional and accessible manner.
- Focus on the potential impact of your research and how it contributes to the broader field of Women and Child Health.
By diligently preparing and submitting your Original Research Article, you can contribute to the ongoing dialogue and knowledge advancement within this vital field.
JoWaCH's commitment to Transparency
JoWaCH takes transparency in research reporting seriously, ensuring clarity, reproducibility, and ultimately, trust in the published findings. This dedication manifests in their adherence to specific reporting guidelines for different study types. Let's explore these guidelines in more detail:
- CONSORT Statement for Randomized Clinical Trials:
The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement provides a comprehensive checklist and flow diagram for reporting randomized clinical trials (RCTs). JoWaCH's commitment to CONSORT ensures clear descriptions of trial design, participant selection, interventions, outcomes, and statistical analysis, allowing readers to critically evaluate the study's strengths and limitations.
- STROBE guidelines for Observational Studies:
The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines address the specific challenges of reporting observational studies, such as cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. JoWaCH's adherence to STROBE ensures transparency in study design, selection of participants, data collection and analysis, and potential biases, enabling readers to assess the validity and generalizability of findings.
- SQUIRE standards for Quality Improvement Projects:
The Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) guidelines cater specifically to reporting quality improvement projects, which aim to improve healthcare practices. JoWaCH's implementation of SQUIRE promotes clarity in describing the project context, interventions, data collection, and outcomes, allowing readers to evaluate the project's effectiveness and potential for application in other settings.
- PRISMA for Systematic Reviews:
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement lays out a detailed framework for reporting systematic reviews, which synthesize evidence from multiple studies. JoWaCH's dedication to PRISMA ensures transparent search strategies, study selection criteria, data extraction, and analysis methods, allowing readers to assess the credibility and generalizability of the review's conclusions.
- STARD for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies:
The Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) guidelines provide a roadmap for reporting studies evaluating the accuracy of diagnostic tests. JoWaCH's adherence to STARD ensures clear descriptions of the test being evaluated, study design, reference standard, results, and potential biases, enabling readers to assess the test's validity and potential clinical utility.
- CARE criteria for Case Reports:
The Case Reports (CARE) guidelines offer a structure for reporting individual patient cases, emphasizing the educational value of such reports. JoWaCH's application of CARE ensures clear descriptions of the patient's history, clinical presentation, investigations, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome, allowing readers to learn from the unique case and potentially apply the knowledge to similar situations.
- AGREE principles for Clinical Practice Guidelines:
The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) principles provide a framework for developing and reporting trustworthy clinical practice guidelines. JoWaCH's commitment to AGREE ensures transparency in guideline development, evidence-based recommendations, stakeholder involvement, and clarity of presentation, supporting informed clinical decision-making.
By adhering to these diverse reporting guidelines, JoWaCH upholds its commitment to transparent research reporting across various study types. This promotes scientific rigor, research integrity, and ultimately, the trustworthiness of published findings in the field of Women and Child Health.
To ensure compliance, include a statement confirming adherence to the relevant reporting guideline on your manuscript's title page.
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JoWaCH's Criteria for accepting Publication
Technical Standards and Clarity:
- Formatting: Manuscripts must adhere to JoWaCH's specific formatting guidelines (see below section), including font size, margins, line spacing, and referencing style (Vancouver Style). Consistency and professionalism in presentation are crucial.
- Language: Clear and concise British English language is essential for effective communication of your research findings. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms, ensuring your work is accessible to a broad audience within the field of Women and Child Health.
- Originality and Novelty: Your research should present new and significant findings that contribute to the existing body of knowledge. Incremental advances or rehashing of previously published work are unlikely to be accepted.
- Scientific Rigor: The methodology employed in your research must be robust and well-described, enabling readers to understand how you obtained your results. Transparency and replicability and adherence to quality standards for enhancing the validity and reliability of results are key tenets of scientific publishing.
- Clear Conclusions and Implications: The significance of your findings should be explicitly stated, highlighting their potential impact on clinical practice, future research directions, or policy development. Link your work to the broader context of Women and Child Health.
Specific Requirements for Different Article Types:
- Original Research and Research Articles: These require comprehensive methodology sections detailing study design, participants, data collection, and analysis methods. Results should be presented in a structured and objective manner, supported by appropriate statistical analysis and visuals (preferably) like tables and figures (please refer to the page of Image standards for image formatting guidelines).
- Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: These require rigorous search strategies, critical evaluation of existing literature, and transparent synthesis of findings to draw evidence-based conclusions. Adherence to established reporting guidelines like PRISMA is essential.
- Technical Papers and Policy Papers: These should clearly explain the technical aspects of new devices or methods or provide specific policy recommendations based on strong evidence. Practical applicability and potential benefits to women and child health service providers, public health and global health policymakers should be emphasized.
- Previous Publication and Conference Presentations: JoWaCH only accepts previously unpublished work. Any prior presentations of your research at conferences must be disclosed during submission, along with details of how the current manuscript differs from the presented work.
The manuscript templates provided herein serve as the standardized framework for all submissions. Authors are strongly encouraged to adhere strictly to these templates when preparing their manuscripts for submission. While minor adjustments may be necessary to accommodate specific article types, all manuscripts must conform to these templates to ensure a consistent, high-quality format across submissions. This standardization facilitates a streamlined review process and maintains the journal's academic rigor and presentation quality.
Remember: Adhering to these criteria will increase your manuscript's chances of success in the JoWaCH review process. Take the time to carefully prepare your submission, ensuring it meets the journal's standards for technical quality, scientific rigor, and originality.
JoWaCH's commitment to Speed and Efficiency
JoWaCH is dedicated to providing a swift and efficient publication process for authors eager to share their valuable research. To achieve this, we have implemented several strategies that streamline communication, minimize delays, and ensure a transparent and collaborative review process.
Electronic Platform and Streamlined Workflow:
- Open Journal System (OJS): We utilize a state-of-the-art electronic review platform, OJS, which facilitates seamless communication, document sharing, and decision-making. This eliminates the inefficiencies associated with traditional paper-based workflows.
- Efficient Processes: Our editorial team follows streamlined procedures and guidelines to ensure that manuscripts are processed promptly and efficiently.
Rapid Decision-Making:
- Initial Decisions within 72 Hours: Authors can expect to receive initial decisions regarding their submissions within 72 hours. This rapid turnaround time is made possible by our efficient platform, experienced editorial team, and streamlined processes.
- Open Communication: All communication regarding your submission, including decision notifications, feedback, and revision requests, is conducted exclusively through the OJS platform (and not through email correspondence). This ensures transparency and easy access to information for both authors and editors.
Author Responsiveness:
- Active Collaboration: The efficiency of our review process relies on active collaboration with authors. Prompt responses to requests for revisions, clarifications, or additional information are crucial in maintaining the momentum of the process.
NOTE: OUR COMMITMENT TO FAST AND EFFICIENT PUBLICATION RELIES ON OPEN COMMUNICATION AND TIMELY RESPONSES FROM THE AUTHORS. THEREFORE, AUTHORS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO FREQUENTLY VISIT AND REFER TO THE SUBMISSION PORTAL, AS IT WILL SERVE AS THE MAIN COMMUNICATION CHANNEL THROUGHOUT THE REVIEW PROCESS.
Post-Decision Process:
- Revisions and Publication: Accepted manuscripts undergo at least one review round, during which authors may be asked to make revisions based on reviewer feedback. Once the revised manuscript is approved, it proceeds to publication.
- First Release: Accepted JoWaCH papers are published online in the First Release section prior to the official issue release. This allows for early access and dissemination of research findings.
- Copy Proofs: Authors will receive copy proofs for final verification before publication.
Key Benefits of Open Communication:
- Accessibility: Authors can access information and updates anytime, anywhere through the OJS platform.
- Documentation: All interactions and decisions are securely stored within the platform, providing a transparent record of the review process.
- Transparency: Both authors and editors have equal access to all communication related to the submission, ensuring open and honest dialogue.
Author Guidelines:
- Utilize the OJS Platform: Rely on the OJS platform for all communication related to your submission. This ensures efficient communication and tracking of the review process.
- Respond Promptly: Respond to reviewer comments and requests for revisions in a timely manner. This helps to expedite the review process and avoid unnecessary delays.
- Provide Complete Information: Ensure that your submission is complete and includes all necessary information, as requested in the author guidelines. This helps to avoid delays due to missing information.
- Adhere to Ethical Guidelines: Adhere to the highest ethical standards in your research and ensure that your manuscript complies with all relevant ethical guidelines.
By following these guidelines and actively participating in the review process, authors can contribute to the efficient and timely publication of their research in JoWaCH.
Local vs. International Classification
The Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) considers a manuscript submission to be "local" if the corresponding author is affiliated with a Pakistani institution or organization. If the corresponding author is affiliated with an institution or organization outside of Pakistan, the submission is considered "international."
Here are some additional factors that may be considered when determining whether a submission is local or international:
- Author's nationality: If the corresponding author is a Pakistani citizen, the submission is more likely to be considered local.
- Research location: If the research was conducted in Pakistan, the submission is more likely to be considered local.
- Funding source: If the research was funded by a Pakistani institution or organization, the submission is more likely to be considered local.
However, the final decision on whether a submission is considered local or international rests with the journal's editorial team. If you are unsure whether your submission will be considered local or international, you can contact the journal's editorial office for clarification.
JoWaCH's Decision Making Process
OVERVIEW OF MANUSCRIPT HANDLING PROCESS:
Stage 1: Initial In-House Check:
- The Editorial Staff, consisting of experienced professionals in Women and Child Health publishing, performs an initial screening of your manuscript.
- They assess whether it meets the basic criteria for publication, including adherence to formatting guidelines, originality, and relevance to the journal's scope.
Stage 2: Double-Blind Peer-Review:
- If your manuscript passes the initial check, it enters the heart of the decision-making process: double-blind peer-review.
- At least two experts are assigned to review your work anonymously. Each reviewer will provide a detailed report.
STAGE 3: Editor's Decision And Feedback:
- The Editor carefully considers all reviewer feedback, weighing individual assessments and looking for consensus or divergent viewpoints.
- Ultimately, the Editor makes the final decision on your manuscript's fate.
DETAILED PROCESS OF MANUSCRIPT HANDLING:
- Initial Check by Section Editors: Thorough check against JoWaCH's guidelines focusing on Technical aspects, Scientific merit, and Relevance.
- Statistical Evaluation: For manuscripts involving complex statistical analyses, the Section Editor may share the work with JoWaCH's statistical personnel.
- Selection and Role of Reviewers: Section Editor selects at least two expert reviewers based on expertise and objectivity.
Understanding Reviewers' Reports in JoWaCH
Reviewers meticulously evaluate manuscripts across Key Areas: Methodological Soundness, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Scientific Rigor and Novelty, Clarity and Presentation, Ethical Considerations, and Relevance to JoWaCH.
JoWaCH implements measures to guarantee unbiased reviews. Reviewers are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
JoWaCH's Editorial and Review Process
Ready to explore the editorial and review process at JoWaCH? Here's your guide:
Initial Screening: The Editorial Staff acts as a gatekeeper, filtering out manuscripts that don't meet basic criteria. Technical and Clarity Assessment ensures professionalism.
Double-Blind Peer-Review: Expertise matters; reviewers are carefully selected. Reports outline strengths, weaknesses, and specific suggestions for improvement.
Balancing Perspectives: The Editor weighs individual assessments and factors in overall quality and novelty.
Decision-Making & Revision: Authors receive a detailed decision letter. Revised manuscripts are re-evaluated by the Editor.
Appeals: Authors may appeal decisions to the Editor-in-Chief if there are valid grounds for reconsideration.
Editorial Timeline: JoWaCH aims for rapid response, typically striving for initial decisions within 72 hours of submission.
Communication and Transparency: All communication regarding submission is conducted via the online submission portal.
Facing submission challenges? Reach out to us at jowach@thequantumnetworks.com for assistance.
Author's Contribution
Specify the contributions of each author to the research project, using the CRediT taxonomy guidelines (e.g., conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis, writing).
The CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) is a standardized system for assigning roles clearly and fairly acknowledging the diverse contributions of all individuals. Here's a breakdown of CRediT:
Structure: CRediT uses 14 predefined roles categorized into Conceptualization, Methodology, and Writing & Dissemination. Each role has a clear definition to ensure consistent interpretation.
Benefits: Promotes Transparency, Accuracy, Clarity, and Reproducibility.
Adoption: Increasingly adopted by major publishers. Using CRediT can enhance the transparency and accuracy of your research publications.
For the ease of authors, JoWaCH has categorized CRediT credentials under following sub-sections: Conceptualization, Data Curation, Formal Analysis, Funding Acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project Administration, Resources, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing.
Facing submission challenges? Reach out to us at jowach@thequantumnetworks.com for assistance.
ACCEPTED ARTICLE TYPES
Types of Articles Accepted by JoWaCH
The Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) publishes a diverse range of articles, each designed to advance research, policy, and practice in women's and children's health. Below is an overview of article types, structured for clarity:
Original Research Articles (Word Count: Up to 5000 words)
- Purpose: Report new empirical findings (RCTs, observational studies, epidemiological). Trial Registration Number required.
Research Articles (Excluding Original Research) (Word Count: Up to 5000 words)
- Purpose: Present data from studies focused on replicating findings or using established methods.
Systematic Reviews (Word Count: 4000-6000 words)
- Purpose: Summarize rigorously designed studies to evaluate healthcare interventions. PRISMA flow diagram required.
Meta-Analyses (Word Count: 4000-6000 words)
- Purpose: Statistically combine data from multiple studies to determine the overall effect.
Policy Brief Reports (Word Count: 1500-2000 words)
- Purpose: Provide concise summaries of research findings with actionable recommendations for policymakers.
Case Reports and Case Series (Word Count: 1000-1500 words)
- Purpose: Document unique or rare medical cases with detailed descriptions.
Exploratory Studies (Word Count: 3000-4000 words)
- Purpose: Conduct preliminary research on less-explored topics to guide future priorities.
Short Reports (Word Count: 1000-2000 words)
- Purpose: Present concise findings from research on small populations or within limited settings.
Short Communications (Word Count: 1000-1500 words)
- Purpose: Provide preliminary findings from limited studies, similar to short reports.
KAP Studies (Word Count: 2000-3000 words)
- Purpose: Assess community knowledge, attitudes, and practices on health issues.
Narrative Reviews (Word Count: 3000-4000 words)
- Purpose: Summarize broad research topics within women’s and child health.
Historical Notes (Word Count: 2000-3000 words)
- Purpose: Present new insights into historical aspects of women’s and children’s health.
Methodological/Technical Papers (Word Count: 2500-4000 words)
- Purpose: Describe innovative methodologies or technical advancements.
Field/Practice-Based Articles (Word Count: 1500-2500 words)
- Purpose: Share practical experiences and innovations from healthcare professionals.
Book Reviews (Word Count: 800-1200 words)
- Purpose: Critically evaluate recent publications relevant to women’s and children’s health.
General Submission Guidelines
All submissions must adhere to JoWaCH's high standards for originality, authorship, ethical approval, and informed consent. Consult the journal’s website for fullResources. For assistance, reach out at jowach@thequantumnetworks.com.
TEMPLATES OF SUBMITTING MANUSCRIPTS
All authors are strongly advised to use the provided templates as a foundation for crafting their manuscript submissions to ensure consistency, clarity, and adherence to journal standards. The templates serve as a structured format for organizing your manuscript according to the journal’s requirements, facilitating a smoother review and publication process.
Template Compliance and Article-Specific Adjustments
While these templates offer a standardized format, authors should note that minor adjustments may be necessary depending on the specific type of article being submitted (e.g., original research articles, reviews, case studies, short communications). However, even with these modifications, it is essential that the main structure, formatting, and style requirements set by the journal are followed. This ensures that each submission aligns with the uniform formatting standards expected across all articles in the journal.
Key Benefits of Using Templates
- Enhanced Readability and Professionalism: Adhering to the templates allows your work to be presented in a professional and consistent format, improving readability for reviewers and the journal’s readership.
- Efficient Review Process: Standardized formats reduce time and effort for reviewers, ensuring a more efficient and effective review process.
- Compliance with Journal Standards: Using the template helps you meet all journal formatting and style requirements, reducing the risk of submission delays due to formatting adjustments.
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Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) Case Report/Case Series Manuscript Template
TITLE PAGE
- Title of Manuscript
- Names of Authors: Maximum 6 authors, including affiliations, degrees, email addresses, and ORCID IDs (ORCID IDs of every author is a MUST requirement).
- Running Title: Maximum 75 characters.
ABSTRACT (Heading 1) (Structured, maximum 250 words)
Background (Heading 2)
Brief introduction of the condition or context of the case(s).
Case Presentation (Heading 2)
Summary of patient demographics, clinical findings, and initial diagnosis.
Intervention and Outcome (Heading 2)
Brief description of treatment, intervention, and outcome.
Conclusions (Heading 2)
Key lessons or clinical insights.
Keywords (Heading 2)
Maximum of 6 relevant keywords.
SUMMARY OF THE CASE IN LAYMAN ENGLISH (Heading 1)
Provide a lay summary of the case(s), written for a general audience, explaining the importance and outcomes (maximum 250 words).
INTRODUCTION (Heading 1) (Minimum 600 words)
- Background (Heading 2)
Overview of the condition or disease, relevant literature, and the reason for reporting this case or series.
- Significance of the Case(s) (Heading 2)
Justification for reporting the case(s), including clinical relevance and novelty.
- Objectives of the Report (Heading 2)
Clearly state the purpose or objective of reporting this case or series.
CASE PRESENTATION (Heading 1)
Patient Information (Heading 2)
- Include demographics, medical history, family history, and symptoms.
Clinical Findings (Heading 2)
Timeline (Heading 2)
Diagnostic Assessment (Heading 2)
Therapeutic Intervention (Heading 2)
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND PATIENT CONSENT (Heading 1):
Include details about ethical approval (if applicable) and confirmation of informed consent obtained from the patient(s) or guardian(s) for publication (The submitting manuscript must contain information about the Ethics Committee/IRB approval with reference number and the date of issue.).
OUTCOMES AND FOLLOW-UP (Heading 1)
Clinical Outcome and Follow-Up (Heading 2)
Describe the patient’s clinical outcome and any follow-up measures.
Patient Perspective (Heading 2)
(if applicable): Include a brief account of the patient's or guardian’s perspective on the treatment and outcome.
Adverse Events (Heading 2)
Report any adverse effects or complications related to the intervention or condition.
DISCUSSION (Heading 1) (Minimum 700 words)
Interpretation of Key Findings (Heading 2)
Discuss the findings in the context of existing literature, comparing with similar cases or case series.
Rationale for Reporting (Heading 2)
Explain why this case or series is unique or significant.
Clinical Implications and Lessons Learned (Heading 2)
Highlight clinical lessons, implications, and potential applications of the findings.
Study Strengths and Limitations (Heading 2)
Discuss strengths and limitations of the case report/series, such as the generalizability of findings and limitations in scope.
FUTURE RESEARCH AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS (Heading 1) (200 words)
Discuss potential directions for future research or implications for clinical practice.
CONCLUSION (Heading 1) (400 words)
Summarize the main conclusions drawn from the case(s) and any recommendations for practitioners facing similar cases.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION (Heading 1)
- File 1: Images, such as radiographs, MRIs, or pathology slides.
- File 2: Laboratory results or diagnostic reports.
- File 3: Additional supporting documentation (e.g., consent forms).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (Heading 1)
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS (Heading 1)
- Conceptualization: Name of authors involved
- Data Collection: Name of authors involved
- Formal Analysis: Name of authors involved
- Funding Acquisition: Name of authors involved
- Investigation: Name of authors involved
- Methodology: Name of authors involved
- Project Administration: Name of authors involved
- Resources: Name of authors involved
- Supervision: Name of authors involved
- Validation: Name of authors involved
- Visualization: Name of authors involved
- Writing – Original Draft Preparation: Name of authors involved
- Writing – Review & Editing: Name of authors involved
KEY POINTS FOR LITERATURE (Heading 1)
- What This Case Report/Series Adds to Current Literature: Four bullet points summarizing contributions.
- What Is Already Known: Four bullet points summarizing background knowledge on the condition or issue.
REFERENCES (Heading 1)
Use Vancouver style referencing.
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Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) Original Article and Research Article Manuscript Template
TITLE PAGE
ABSTRACT (Heading 1) (Structured) (maximum 250 words)
Background (Heading 2)
Methods (Heading 2)
Results (Heading 2)
Conclusions (Heading 2)
Keywords (Heading 2)
INTRODUCTION (Heading 1) (600 words minimum)
Background (Heading 2)
Rationale of the research (Heading 2)
Objectives of the research (Heading 2)
MATERIALS AND METHODS (Heading 1)
Study design (Heading 2)
Study population (Heading 2)
Sample size estimation (Heading 3)
Sampling technique (Heading 2)
Biases and confounders (Heading 2)
Data collection tool (Heading 2)
Method of Data collection (Heading 2)
Quality control measures (Heading 2)
Data Analysis (Heading 2)
Data Analysis Protocol
- Data Preparation (Heading 3)
- Data Cleaning (Heading 3)
- Data Transformation (Heading 3)
- Data Modeling (Heading 3)
- Descriptive Statistics (Heading 3)
- Statistical Tests (Heading 3)
- Inferential Statistics (Heading 3)
RESULTS (Heading 1) (with detailed statistical rigor)
Detailed statistical rigor mandatory.
DISCUSSION (Heading 1) (Minimum 700 words)
Discuss each objective by comparing manuscript results with relevant studies in depth.
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Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) Qualitative Research Manuscript Template
TITLE PAGE, ABSTRACT, LAY SUMMARY, INTRODUCTION, MATERIALS AND METHODS (Design, Setting, Population, Sampling, Data Collection, Researcher Reflexivity, Ethics), DATA ANALYSIS (Analytic Approach, Preparation, Coding, Themes, Quality Control), RESULTS (Participant Characteristics, Key Themes), DISCUSSION (Interpretation, Strengths/Limitations), IMPLICATIONS, CONCLUSION, SUPPORTING INFO, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS, KEY POINTS, REFERENCES.
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Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) Systematic Review Manuscript Template
TITLE PAGE, ABSTRACT, LAY SUMMARY, INTRODUCTION (Background, Rationale, Objectives), METHODS (Protocol, Eligibility, Sources, Search, Selection, Data Collection, Bias Assessment, Analysis, Quality Assessment, Ethics), RESULTS (Selection process PRISMA, Characteristics, Bias, Main Findings), DISCUSSION (Interpretation, Limitations, Strengths), IMPLICATIONS, CONCLUSION, SUPPORTING INFO, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS, KEY POINTS, REFERENCES.
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Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) Meta-Analysis Manuscript Template
TITLE PAGE, ABSTRACT, SUMMARY, INTRODUCTION, MATERIALS AND METHODS (Registration, Eligibility, Sources, Search, Selection, Data Collection, Bias, Effect Measures, Synthesis), RESULTS (PRISMA diagram, Characteristics, Bias, Results, Publication Bias), DISCUSSION (Interpretation, Implications, Limitations), FUTURE RESEARCH, CONCLUSION, SUPPORTING INFO, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS, KEY POINTS, REFERENCES.
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Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) Technical Paper Manuscript Template
TITLE PAGE, ABSTRACT, SUMMARY, INTRODUCTION, MATERIALS AND METHODS (Design, Target, Specifications, Procedure, Quality, Data Analysis), RESULTS (Technical characteristics, Major Outcomes, Specifics), DISCUSSION (Interpretation, Advantages/Limitations), FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, CONCLUSION, SUPPORTING INFO, AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS, KEY POINTS, REFERENCES.
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Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) Policy Paper Manuscript Template
TITLE PAGE, ABSTRACT, SUMMARY, INTRODUCTION, POLICY CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS (Landscape, Stakeholders, Problem, Evidence, Comparative), POLICY OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES AND IMPACT, DISCUSSION (Comparison, Barriers, Strengths/Limitations), FUTURE IMPLICATIONS, CONCLUSION, SUPPORTING INFO, AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS, KEY POINTS, REFERENCES.
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Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) Historical Note Manuscript Template
TITLE PAGE, ABSTRACT, SUMMARY, INTRODUCTION, METHODS (Approach, Sources, Verification), HISTORICAL NARRATIVE AND ANALYSIS (Developments, Context, Implications), DISCUSSION (Interpretation, Relevance, Limitations), FUTURE RESEARCH, CONCLUSION, SUPPORTING INFO, AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS, KEY POINTS, REFERENCES.
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Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) Field/Practice-Based Article Manuscript Template
TITLE PAGE, ABSTRACT, SUMMARY, INTRODUCTION, MATERIALS AND METHODS (Setting, Target, Intervention, Methodology, Quality, Analysis), RESULTS, DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION, SUPPORTING INFO, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS, KEY POINTS, REFERENCES.
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Facing submission challenges? Reach out to us at jowach@thequantumnetworks.com for assistance.
FILES TO BE SUBMITTED WITH SUBMISSION
FILES TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THE SUBMISSION
Based on the comprehensive author guidelines for the Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH), here is a list of documents to be attached during submission:
1. Cover Letter
- Brief summary of the study's contribution and relevance
- Connection to existing research and its significance
- Specification of article type (e.g., Original Research, Systematic Review, etc.)
- Disclosure of any prior interactions with JoWaCH (if applicable)
- Suggestions for academic editors and opposed reviewers (optional)
- APC waiver request (if applicable)
- Disclosure of AI use in the manuscript, if any
2. Manuscript File (Microsoft Word Format)
- Full manuscript following JoWaCH’s TEMPLATE, including all necessary headings and structure
3. Ethics Approval and Informed Consent Documentation
- Ethics committee or IRB approval Letter/Certificate with reference number
- Informed consent statement for research involving human subjects
4. Author Contributions Statement
- Specification of each author's contribution using the CRediT taxonomy (e.g., Conceptualization, Data Curation, Formal Analysis, Writing) (Author Contribution Form will be sent to the corresponding author on the submission portal after the acceptance of submission before the peer review process).
5. Acknowledgments and Funding Disclosure
- Acknowledgment of any contributors not listed as authors must be mentioned in the manuscript
- Declaration of funding sources with grant numbers
- Statement clarifying the role of funders, if any
6. Competing Interests Statement
- Declaration of any competing interests or conflicts (Competing Interest Statement Form will be sent to the corresponding author on the submission portal after the acceptance of submission before the peer review process).
7. Dual Publication Disclosure
- Disclosure of any prior presentation, acceptance, or publication of portions of the manuscript
- Permissions for reused content, if applicable (Dual Publication Disclosure Form will be sent to the corresponding author on the submission portal after the acceptance of submission before the peer review process).
8. Figures and Tables (High-Resolution Post-Acceptance)
- Figures in RGB color at 300 dpi or higher, saved in separate files (JPEG, TIFF, or PNG)
- Editable tables and graphs in a separate Word or Excel file (if requested separately)
9. Data Collection Tool/s (if applicable)
- Data Collection tool (Questionnaire/data collection tool for Quantitative Research and Interview Guides for Qualitative Research) MUST BE ATTACHED WITH MANUSCRIPT.
10. Supplementary Information (if applicable)
- Data Collection tool, Data files, calculations, or background details as supplementary information
- Details of data availability in the methodology section
11. IRB or Institutional Ethics Approval Certificate (if applicable)
- Attach the IRB or ethics committee approval certificate for studies involving human subjects.
12. Peer Review History (if opting for Open Peer Review Post-Acceptance)
- Acceptance of peer review transparency (optional, post-acceptance) to publish the manuscript’s peer review history (Peer Review History Disclosure Form will be sent to the corresponding author on the submission portal after the acceptance of submission before the peer review process).
By submitting these documents, authors ensure a streamlined and complete submission process that aligns with JoWaCH's standards.
Facing submission challenges? Reach out to us at jowach@thequantumnetworks.com for assistance.
COVER LETTER REQUIREMENTS
A separate cover letter (maximum 1 page) is required for online manuscript submissions. Here's a breakdown of the information you need to include:
1. Highlighting Your Contribution:
- Briefly summarize how your study advances the scientific understanding in its field. What new knowledge does it contribute?
2. Connecting to Existing Research:
- Briefly explain how your study relates to previously published work. Does it confirm, contradict, or build upon existing findings? Cite relevant references.
3. Specifying Your Article Type:
- Clearly state the type of article you are submitting (e.g., research article, systematic review, meta-analysis, clinical trial).
4. Prior Interactions with JoWaCH (if applicable):
- If you have interacted with JoWaCH regarding this manuscript before (e.g., editorial inquiries), mention the nature of that interaction.
5. Suggesting Academic Editors:
- Recommend a few suitable Academic Editors from the provided list who possess expertise relevant to your research topic.
6. Opposed Reviewers (optional):
- You may list any individuals you believe should not handle the review process due to potential conflicts of interest.
6. Waiver request (optional):
- You may request the waiver of Article Processing Charges only in the cover letter, with justification and reasoning as to why you need waiver for your submission.
Remember:
- Keep your cover letter concise and focused on the key points mentioned above.
- Use a professional tone and clear language.
- Proofread carefully before submitting.
Facing submission challenges? Reach out to us at jowach@thequantumnetworks.com for assistance.
Sample Cover Letter for Journal of Women and Child Health Submission
[Your Name]
[Your Affiliation]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Address]
[Date]
Dear Editor,
We are pleased to submit our original research article titled "[Title of Article]" for consideration in the Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH). This research is novel, has not been published elsewhere, and is not currently under review by any other journal.
In this study, we [explore/investigate/analyze] [summarize your main finding]. This is significant because it [sheds light on/challenges/advances] our understanding of [explain the impact of your finding]. We believe our findings have critical implications for [highlight the importance of your work for the field/society], particularly in improving the health and well-being of women and children.
Our manuscript aligns perfectly with the aims and scope of the Journal of Women and Child Health, particularly due to its focus on [mention specific area from Aims & Scope your work relates to, e.g., maternal health, pediatric nutrition, adolescent health]. Furthermore, [elaborate on how your work contributes to the journal's readership and mission, e.g., addressing health disparities, promoting evidence-based practices].
[Describe the research in one or two sentences, emphasizing its novelty and why it aligns with the journal's audience.] For example, you could say: "We employed a [specific methodology, e.g., longitudinal cohort study, mixed-methods approach] to assess [research topic] in [population, e.g., pregnant adolescents, children with developmental delays], revealing previously unknown insights into [key finding]."
We are confident that this research will be of great interest to your readers in the fields of [relevant fields, e.g., pediatrics, obstetrics, public health]. We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
- Please indicate your preferred publishing process:
- We would like to opt for the [normal-paced/fast-track] publishing process. We understand that these options have different associated charges.
Please direct all correspondence to [your email address]. We appreciate your time and consideration of our manuscript.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Co-authors' names, if applicable]
REFERENCES POLICY
General Guidelines:
- References should be formatted according to the Vancouver style as outlined in the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals (available at https://libguides.und.edu/citations/vancouver).
- References should be numbered consecutively in the order they appear in the text.
- Cite references in the text using superscript numbers in parentheses.
- Use the author-date format for in-text citations (e.g., Smith, 2023).
- For multiple references within the same parentheses, list them in chronological order (e.g., Smith, 2023; Jones, 2024).
- Do not use footnotes or endnotes for references.
Preferred References:
- Recent publications: JoWaCH highly encourages references to be recent publications, ideally within the last 5 years of submission. This ensures the research presented is based on the latest evidence and insights.
- Relevance: References should be directly relevant to the topic of the manuscript and support the arguments and conclusions presented.
- Variety: Include references from a variety of sources, including peer-reviewed journals, books, book chapters, and reputable websites.
- Accessibility: Choose references that are readily accessible to readers, preferably published in open-access journals or available through institutional libraries.
Number of References:
- The maximum number of references allowed is 30. This helps maintain conciseness and focus while ensuring relevant information is adequately supported.
Inserting References:
- Use a reference management software program to ensure accuracy and consistency in formatting.
- JoWaCH accepts references inserted using any reputable reference manager, such as Mendeley, Zotero, or EndNote.
Additional Information:
- For specific formatting instructions for different types of references (e.g., books, websites, unpublished works), please refer to the Vancouver style guide.
- If you have any questions or require further clarification on the References policy, please contact the JoWaCH editorial team.
Note: These are general guidelines, and specific considerations may apply depending on the nature of the research and the type of manuscript submitted. JoWaCH reserves the right to request revisions to references or suggest alternative sources on a case-by-case basis.
By following these guidelines, authors can ensure their references are formatted correctly, relevant, and accessible to readers.
Facing submission challenges? Reach out to us at jowach@thequantumnetworks.com for assistance.
PLAGIARISM POLICY (Index < 15%)
Plagiarism Policy
JoWaCH is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and originality in published research. Plagiarism is defined as the act of appropriating others' ideas, text, or results and presenting them as one's own in a manuscript.
Pre-submission: Authors are strongly advised to check their manuscripts for plagiarism using third-party tools before submitting to JoWaCH. Submitting manuscripts to any repository is strictly prohibited.
Similarity Check: All submitted manuscripts undergo a plagiarism screening process . Manuscripts with a Similarity Index 15% or exceeding 15% will not be considered for publication.
Consequences of Plagiarism:
- Identification: If plagiarism is detected during review, JoWaCH will follow COPE guidelines. Authors must provide a detailed explanation.
- Action: Depending on the severity and response, JoWaCH may:
- Reject the manuscript
- Request revisions and resubmission
- Publish a correction or retraction notice
- Report the matter to relevant authorities
Post-publication Plagiarism:
JoWaCH takes allegations of plagiarism in published articles very seriously. If detected, COPE guidelines will be followed to determine corrective action (e.g., correction or retraction).
Transparency and Commitment:
JoWaCH utilizes plagiarism detection tools and adheres to stringent policies to ensure research originality. We are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and fostering academic integrity in women's and child health research. This policy may be updated periodically. Please consult the latest version on the JoWaCH website before submitting your manuscript.
Additional Notes:
- Authors are encouraged to uphold ethical conduct and ensure the originality of their work.
- For assistance with submissions, contact [email address removed]
Missing Policy Considerations:
- Self-plagiarism: While not explicitly mentioned, JoWaCH likely discourages excessive reuse of the author's own previously published work.
- Citation practices: The policy focuses on plagiarism detection but could be strengthened by mentioning the importance of proper citation practices to avoid unintentional plagiarism.
By following these guidelines, authors can ensure their submissions meet JoWaCH's standards for originality and ethical conduct.
JoWaCH'S OPEN-ACCESS CHARGES
JoWaCH is an open-access journal. Article Processing Charges (APC) sustain the publication process. Waiver requests must be submitted in the cover letter with detailed justification. Detailed pricing is available on the submission portal.
AI-ASSISTED TECHNOLOGIES DISCLOSURE
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in manuscript submissions is strictly monitored. Any submission found to contain more than 15% AI-generated content will be rejected. Authors will be given one opportunity to revise their submissions to remove AI-generated content.
This policy aims to ensure the originality and integrity of research published in the journal and to maintain high standards of academic authorship.
1. Disclosure:
- Mandatory: Authors must disclose in the cover letter whether they used any AI-assisted technologies (LLMs, chatbots, image creators) in any part of their work.
- Declaration: Indicate "Yes" or "No" and, if used, briefly explain the type of technology and its purpose.
2. Description of Usage:
- Transparency: If AI was used, authors must describe in detail how it was incorporated into the research:
- Cover Letter: Briefly explain the type of AI tool used and its specific contribution to the work (See the above section of the Cover Letter for the format).
- Manuscript: Provide detailed descriptions in relevant sections:
- Writing Assistance: Acknowledge in the Acknowledgements section, specifying the tool used and the extent of its involvement.
- Data Collection/Analysis/Figure Generation: Explain in the Methods section, detailing the tool, its role in the process, and any relevant parameters used.
3. Authorship and Responsibility:
- No AI Co-Authors: Chatbots and AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors.
- Human Responsibility: Authors retain full responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of all content, including AI-generated materials.
4. Content Review and Editing:
- Critical Evaluation: Authors must rigorously review and edit all AI-generated content, ensuring:
- Factual accuracy, completeness, and alignment with research objectives.
- Absence of biases, misleading information, or errors.
5. Citation and Attribution:
- No AI References: Do not list AI tools as authors, co-authors, or references in the bibliography.
- Plagiarism-Free Work: Ensure the entire work is free of plagiarism, including AI-generated text and images.
- Proper Attribution: Provide full citations for all quoted material, including content generated by AI tools.
Facing submission challenges? Reach out to us at jowach@thequantumnetworks.com for assistance.
Acknowledgement of Best Articles
Beginning with the fourth issue, Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH) will recognize the best article published in each issue. This distinction is based on a comprehensive assessment of the article's quality and credibility, using the Quality/Credibility Index (QCI). Manuscripts that demonstrate exceptional quality and contribute significantly to the field of women and child health will be evaluated against predefined benchmarks.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Best Article award, manuscripts must meet or exceed a QCI of 90%. The QCI is calculated based on the scores assigned by reviewers during the peer review process. The reviewers assess the manuscript against the criteria outlined below.
Calculation of Quality/Credibility Index
The QCI is evaluated against: Originality and novelty, Methodology and rigor, Literature review, Clarity and coherence, Ethical considerations, and Impact and significance.
Reviewers assign scores to each variable. For example, a total score of 27/30 equals 90%.
Decision on Best Article
If the calculated QCI is 90% or higher, the manuscript meets the threshold for a waiver of the article processing charges (APCs).
Note: Weighting may vary depending on the journal's editorial board and the specific nature of the research.
Additional Information
JoWaCH is committed to a fair and transparent peer review process. Rigorous review by experts ensures quality and credibility. Author support services are available to help prepare manuscripts for publication.
Manuscript's Journey: Acceptance to Publication
Congratulations! Your manuscript has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Women and Child Health (JoWaCH). Here's a roadmap to guide you through the final steps before you see your research in print:
Two Steps to Acceptance:
1. Editorial Acceptance:
This is the initial acceptance, indicating your manuscript is provisionally accepted. You'll receive an email outlining final formatting and technical requirements to ensure your article meets JoWaCH's standards. This acceptance date will appear on your published work.
2. Formal Acceptance:
Once you've addressed the final checks, your manuscript is formally accepted and moves to production.
Communication:
All communication regarding acceptance decisions and final checks will be sent directly to the corresponding author listed on the manuscript.
Final Checks:
Before publication, your manuscript undergoes a final review to confirm it adheres to JoWaCH's formatting and content guidelines. Key elements checked include:
* Author names and affiliations
* Funding statement (if applicable)
* Competing interests statement (if applicable)
* Data availability statement (if applicable)
* Figure and table formatting
* File names for figures, tables, and supporting information
Speed Up the Process:
Review Submission Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with JoWaCH's submission guidelines beforehand to expedite the final checks.
Respond Promptly: Respond quickly to any queries from the editorial team to keep your manuscript moving smoothly.
This is your last chance to make corrections! Once you receive editorial acceptance, you won't be able to modify the manuscript after this point. Double-check everything carefully.
Peer Review History:
Upon acceptance, you'll be invited to opt-in to publish the peer-review history of your manuscript. This includes editorial decisions, reviewer comments, and your responses.
Author Proofreading:
JoWaCH doesn't provide detailed copyediting or typeset proofs for review. However, you can review the final version of your manuscript upon editorial acceptance.
Linking to Preprints:
If you opted to share your manuscript as a preprint on bioRxiv or medRxiv, the preprint will automatically link to your published JoWaCH article.
CrossMark:
JoWaCH uses CrossMark to offer readers a way to find the most current version of your article. This ensures readers access the latest information and any potential updates.
Indexing and Archiving:
All published articles are deposited in PubMed Central for wider accessibility.
Reprints:
JoWaCH embraces Open Access publishing. You can freely print copies of your article.
We hope this comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the JoWaCH submission process successfully. We wish you the best of luck with your research and publication endeavors!
MANDATORY NOTICE:
Timeliness is crucial. Adherence to guidelines and prompt responses are mandatory. The **Submission Portal** is the exclusive communication channel; no email communication will be entertained.
Original Research
5000 WordsNew empirical findings from RCTs, Epidemiological, or Observational studies concerning women and children.
Systematic Reviews
5000 WordsEvaluate healthcare effectiveness. **PRISMA flow mandatory.**
Meta-Analyses
5000 WordsPooled data for overall effect and quantitative reliability in MCH research.
Policy Brief Reports
3000 WordsConcise research summaries with actionable recommendations for maternal and pediatric policy.
Case Reports/Series
2500 WordsDocumentation of rare clinical presentations providing critical insights into neonatal or obstetric care.
Exploratory Studies
3000 WordsPreliminary research on emerging health questions to guide future priorities.
Short Reports/Comm.
2000 WordsConcise findings from research on small populations or early-stage pediatric insights.
Methodological Papers
3500 WordsNovel techniques, validation of innovative methodologies in social autopsy or maternal health.
Field/Practice Articles
2500 WordsReal-world innovations and practical experiences shared by frontline professionals.
TITLE OF MANUSCRIPT
Author Metadata Protocol
Names of the authors (maximum 6 authors with their affiliations, degrees, email addresses and ORCID IDs).
Identity Marker
Running title (75 characters long).
ABSTRACT (Structured | 250 words max)
INTRODUCTION (600 words minimum)
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data Analysis Protocol
Provide a brief overview of the data analysis methods employed, highlighting their significance in answering the research questions.
Data Preparation Data Cleaning (handling missing values and outliers) Data Transformation (Normalization, standardization) Data Modeling Descriptive Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode, Standard deviation) Statistical Tests (T-tests, ANOVA, Regression analysis, Chi-square) Inferential Statistics (Confidence intervals, P-values)RESULTS (Detailed Statistical Rigor Mandatory)
Note: Use Confidence Interval, P-value, Multivariate analysis, and Regression where applicable.
Objective specific findingsTabular format only. No limit to the number of tables.
Insert Label of the Figure. No limit to the number of figures.
DISCUSSION (700 words minimum)
Discuss each study objective by comparing manuscript results with relevant studies in greater depth.
Study strengths and limitations4 short Key bullet points which this study adds to the current literature
4 short Key bullet points what is already known about this topic or issue
SIMILARITY INDEX MANDATE
Our journal mandates a Similarity Index of less than 15%. Manuscripts exceeding this threshold face immediate desk rejection without appeal.
Empowering Your Research Journey
We hope this comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the JoWaCH submission process successfully. We wish you the best of luck with your research and publication endeavors!