Publication Ethics

The International Journal of Health Systems and Well-Being (IJHSWB) is a peer-reviewed academic journal committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics. We publish original research papers, reviews, and case studies in health systems, public health, and well-being that have not been published elsewhere and are not under consideration by another journal.

This statement outlines the ethical responsibilities of authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher in the publication process.

Duties of Authors

1. Reporting Standards

Authors must present accurate, honest, and objective accounts of their research. Results should not be fabricated, falsified, or manipulated. Manuscripts must include sufficient detail and references to enable replication. Fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical behavior.

2. Originality and Plagiarism

Submitted manuscripts must be original. Authors must properly cite the work and ideas of others and ensure that direct quotations are clearly identified. Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable.

3. Multiple, Redundant, or Concurrent Publications

Authors must not submit the same manuscript to more than one journal at the same time. Redundant or duplicate publication of the same research in multiple outlets is unethical and unacceptable.

4. Acknowledgment of Sources

Authors must acknowledge all sources of data and literature that influenced their research. Proper credit should always be given to the work of others.

5. Authorship of the Paper

Authorship must reflect significant contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research. All contributors who made substantial contributions should be listed as co-authors. Others who assisted but did not meet authorship criteria should be acknowledged. All listed authors must approve the submitted version.

6. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Authors must disclose any financial or personal conflicts of interest that could influence their research. All sources of funding must be acknowledged.

7. Fundamental Errors in Published Works

If an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in their published work, they must promptly notify the editor and cooperate in correcting or retracting the article.

Duties of Editors

1. Publication Decisions

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for deciding which manuscripts will be published. Decisions must be based on the manuscript’s academic merit, originality, and relevance. Editors must follow journal policies and applicable legal requirements.

2. Peer Review Management

Editors must ensure all manuscripts are initially evaluated for originality and then subjected to a fair peer-review process using qualified reviewers. The peer review process must be clearly explained to authors.

3. Fair Play

Editors must evaluate manuscripts solely on intellectual merit, without discrimination based on gender, race, religion, nationality, or political beliefs of the authors.

4. Confidentiality

Editors must maintain the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and not disclose information beyond that of those involved in the review process.

5. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Editors must not use unpublished material for personal research without written consent from the author. Editors must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where they have conflicts of interest.

Duties of Reviewers

1. Confidentiality

Manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents. They must not be shared or discussed with others except when authorized by the editor.

2. Acknowledgment of Sources

Reviewers should identify relevant published work not cited by the authors. Any suspicion of plagiarism, duplication, or ethical misconduct must be reported to the editor.

3. Standards of Objectivity

Reviews should be conducted objectively, providing clear, constructive feedback with supporting arguments. Criticism should target the content, not the author.

4. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Information obtained through peer review must not be used for personal advantage. Reviewers should decline to review manuscripts where conflicts of interest exist due to competitive, collaborative, or other relationships.

5. Promptness

Reviewers should complete their reviews within the agreed timeframe. If unable to do so, they must notify the editor promptly so the manuscript can be reassigned.

Duties of the Publisher

The publisher of IJHSWB supports the editorial team in maintaining academic integrity and upholding ethical publishing standards. The publisher ensures that cases of suspected misconduct are handled responsibly and transparently and works to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.