Transparency Policy

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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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