Guidelines for Author

Medox Journal of Public Health (MJPH) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal committed to the dissemination of original research and scholarly work that advances public health knowledge and practice.

Authors are kindly requested to read these instructions carefully before submitting their manuscripts.

1. Aims and Scope

MJPH publishes original contributions in all areas of public health, including but not limited to:

  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  • Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
  • Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health Systems and Policy Analysis
  • Community and Global Health
  • Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health
  • Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
  • Health Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • Clinical and Translational Public Health Research
  • Digital Health and Health Innovation

Manuscripts should present scientifically sound research, clear methodology, and findings of relevance to public health practice, policy, or research.

2. Types of Manuscripts

The journal accepts the following categories:

  • Original Articles
  • Review Articles (Narrative, Systematic and Meta-Analyses)
  • Short Communications
  • Case Reports
  • Policy Briefs and Practice Papers
  • Editorials and Commentaries
  • Letters to the Editor

Submissions must represent original work that has not been published previously and is not under consideration elsewhere.

3. Manuscript Length and Structure by Article Type

Authors are advised to adhere to the following recommended word limits. Word counts exclude abstract, tables, figures, and references unless otherwise stated.

3.1 Original Articles

Recommended length: 3,000–5,000 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references)
Abstract: The abstract should not exceed 250 words and must be structured under the following headings: Background, Materials and Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
References: Up to 40 references
Tables/Figures: A maximum of seven (7) tables and/or figures is recommended. Additional materials may be accepted at the discretion of the Editorial Board.

Structure: Original research manuscripts should include a Title Page, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Acknowledgments (if applicable), Funding Statement, Conflict of Interest Declaration, and References.

3.2 Review Articles

MJPH considers Narrative Reviews, Systematic Reviews, and Meta-Analyses. Authors should clearly indicate the type of review at the time of submission and ensure that the manuscript complies with the relevant reporting standards.

3.2.1 Narrative Review

Narrative reviews provide a comprehensive overview of a specific topic of public health importance. They should present a balanced and critical discussion of existing literature rather than a simple summary of published work.

Recommended length: 4,000–6,000 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references)
Abstract: The abstract should not exceed 250 words and must be structured under the following headings: Background, Objective, Summary of Evidence, and Conclusion
References: Up to 80 references
Tables/Figures: As necessary

Structure: Narrative reviews manuscripts should include a Title page, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Thematic sections with appropriate subheadings, Discussion, Conclusion, and References. Narrative reviews should provide critical analysis of existing literature rather than simple summaries.

3.2.2 Systematic Review

Systematic reviews should address a clearly formulated research question and use explicit, reproducible methods for identifying, selecting, and analyzing relevant studies.

Recommended length: 4,000–6,500 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references)
Abstract: The abstract should not exceed 250 words and must be structured under the following headings: Background, Materials and Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
References: Up to 120 references
Tables/Figures: Flow diagram required

Structure: Systematic reviews manuscripts should include a Title page, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction (with clearly defined objective), Materials and Methods (describing databases searched, Search strategy, Eligibility criteria, Study selection process, Data extraction methods, Quality or risk-of-bias assessment), Results (describing Study selection (flow diagram recommended), Characteristics of included studies, Discussion, Conclusion and References. Authors are encouraged to follow internationally recognized reporting guidelines such as PRISMA.

3.2.3 Meta-Analysis

Meta-analyses present a quantitative synthesis of findings from independent studies addressing a specific research question. The methodology should be clearly defined and sufficiently detailed to allow assessment of the validity of the statistical approach.

Recommended length: 4,500–7,000 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references)
Abstract: The abstract should not exceed 250 words and must be structured under the following headings: Background, Materials and Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
References: Up to 150 references
Tables/Figures: Flow diagram required

Structure: Meta-analyses manuscripts should include a Title page, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction (clearly stating the research question or hypothesis), Materials and Methods (describing Literature search strategy and sources, Eligibility criteria, Data extraction process, Statistical methods for data synthesis, Effect size measures (e.g., odds ratio, relative risk, mean difference), Assessment of heterogeneity, Subgroup or sensitivity analyses (if applicable), Assessment of publication bias), Results (stating Description of included studies, Summary effect estimates, Measures of heterogeneity, Graphical presentation of pooled results (e.g., forest plot), Discussion (describing Interpretation of pooled findings, Clinical or public health implications, Limitations of included studies and analytical approach), Conclusion and References.

Authors are encouraged to follow internationally recognized reporting guidelines such as PRISMA and to ensure that statistical procedures are appropriately justified, with results presented alongside corresponding confidence intervals and significance levels.

3.3 Short Communications

Short communications present preliminary findings or concise research results of immediate relevance.

Recommended length: 1,500–2,000 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references)
Abstract: The abstract should not exceed 200 words and must be structured under the following headings: Background, Materials and Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
References: Up to 20 references
Tables/Figures: Maximum 2

Structure: Short communications manuscripts should include a Title page, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, References.

3.4 Case Reports

A case report is a detailed description of a single patient, event, situation, or public health occurrence that presents something unusual, novel, or educational.

Recommended length: 1,500–2,500 words (excluding abstract, tables, figures, and references)
Abstract: The abstract should not exceed 200 words and must be structured under the following headings: Background, Case Presentation, and Conclusion.
References: Up to 20 references
Tables/Figures: Maximum 2

Structure: Short communications manuscripts should include a Title page, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Case Presentation, Discussion, Conclusion, and References. Case reports must demonstrate clear public health implications.

3.5 Editorials and Commentaries

Editorials and Commentaries are scholarly opinion articles, usually written by the Editor-in-Chief, a member of the Editorial Board or an invited expert in order to discuss a major public health issue, comment on a paper published in the same issue, address policy or emerging concerns.

Recommended length: 1,000–1,500 words
Abstract: Not required
References: Up to 15 references

3.6 Letters to the Editor

A letter is a short communication submitted by readers to comment on a recently published article, raise concerns or critique methodology, provide brief additional data, or highlight a short public health issue.

Recommended length: 500–800 words
Abstract: Not required
References: Up to 10 references

4. Submission Policy

All manuscripts must be submitted electronically via the journal’s online submission system.

Submission of a manuscript implies that:

  • All authors have read and approved the manuscript.
  • The work is original.
  • The manuscript is not under consideration for publication elsewhere.
  • Ethical standards have been adhered to. 

The following documents are required at the time of submission:

  1. The Main Manuscript (without author identifiers).
  2. A separate Title Page containing authors details.
  3. A completed and signed Authorship Declaration Form in PDF format.

The Corresponding Author must download, complete, and sign the Authorship Declaration Form on behalf of all listed authors, then upload the signed PDF file at the time of submission. Submissions that do not include all required documents will be returned to the authors prior to peer review.

Download Authorship Declaration Form

5. Manuscript Preparation

5.1 General Format

Manuscripts should be prepared as follows:

  • Language: English (clear and grammatically correct)
  • Font: Times New Roman
  • Size: 12-point
  • Line spacing: 1.5
  • Pages numbered consecutively
  • Use standard scientific headings

Avoid excessive formatting, keep layout simple and professional.

5.2 Arrangement of Manuscript

5.2.1 Title Page

The title page should include:

  • Full title of the manuscript (concise and informative)
  • Full names of all authors
  • Author affiliations, including the name of the department and institution.
  • Corresponding author’s name, email address, and telephone number
  • ORCID IDs (where available)

The title should accurately reflect the content of the manuscript and avoid abbreviations.

5.2.2 Abstract and Keywords

  • The abstract should not exceed 250 words and must be structured under the following headings: Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
  • Below the abstract, provide 3–6 keywords using terms suitable for indexing.

5.2.3 Main Text (Original Articles)

The manuscript should be arranged under the following headings:

Introduction
Provide a brief background of the study and clearly state the objectives.

Materials and Methods
Describe study design, study setting, sampling procedures, inclusion and exclusion criteria, data collection instruments, and statistical analysis. The methods should be described in sufficient detail to allow replication. For previously described methods, appropriate references should be cited.

Results
Present findings clearly and logically, and do not repeat data in both text and tables.

Discussion
Discuss the principal findings in relation to previous studies, highlight the implications for public health practice, strengths and limitations should be acknowledged.

Conclusion
Provide concise conclusions derived from the study findings.

6. Ethical Considerations

Studies involving human participants must include:

  • Name of the ethics committee
  • Approval reference number
  • Statement confirming informed consent was obtained

The journal adheres to internationally accepted ethical standards in research and publication. For clinical trials, registration in a recognized trial registry is recommended.

7. Tables and Figures

  • Tables and figures should be numbered consecutively using Arabic numerals.
  • Each table must have a clear, descriptive title. The title of each table should be positioned above the table, whereas figure titles should be placed below the corresponding figure.
  • Figures should be submitted in high-quality format.
  • Tables and figures should be inserted within the text at the appropriate location and not placed at the end of the manuscript.
  • Explanatory notes should appear below the respective table or figure and not in the main text.

8. References

In-Text Citation Rules

  • MJPH follows the Vancouver style using square bracket citation.
  • When citing one reference → list the number in square bracket: e.g. Public health remains a priority in low-income countries [1].
  • When citing two references → list both numbers: e.g Similar findings have been reported previously [2,3].
  • When citing three or more consecutive references → use a hyphen to indicate a range: e.g. Several studies have addressed this issue [4-7].
  • If the references are not consecutive, they should be separated by commas: e.g. Several studies have reported this issue [2,5,8].

References Rules based on Vancouver style.

  • Number references consecutively in the order in which they are first mentioned in the text.
  • For six authors or fewer, list all authors.
  • For seven or more authors, list the first six followed by et al.
  • Journal names should be abbreviated according to Index Medicus.
  • DOI should be included where available.

Reference List Examples

Journal article for six authors or fewer

  1. Magwe E, Varisanga MD, Ng’weshemi SK. Healthcare facilities' level of preparedness response on COVID-19 preventive measures in selected regions of Tanzania: A perspective of healthcare workers. Microbes Infect Dis 2023;4(2):343-456. https://doi.org/10.21608/mid.2023.193210.1466.

Journal article for seven or more authors

  1. Adedokun KA, Adekola SA, Tajudeen A, Bello-Ibiyemi AA, Babandina MM, Magwe EA, et al. Rising global threat of human metapneumovirus (hMPV in 2024/2025): pathogenesis, immune dynamics, vulnerabilities in immunocompromised individuals, and lessons from past pandemics. J Rare Dis. 2025;4(1):1-20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44162-025-00079-w

Book

  1. Last JM. A Dictionary of Public Health. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2007.

Chapter in a Book

  1. Marmot M. Social determinants of health. In: Detels R, Gulliford M, Karim QA, Tan CC, editors. Oxford Textbook of Public Health. 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2015. p. 23-35.

Website

  1. World Health Organization. Global Status Report on Blood Safety and Availability. World Health Organization. Geneva; 2017. Available at: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/254987/9789241565431-eng.pdf. Accessed June 25, 2023.

Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of references.

9. Authorship

Authorship credit should be based on:

  • Substantial contributions to conception and design, or acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data;
  • Drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content;
  • Final approval of the version to be published.

All persons designated as authors should meet these criteria.

10. Conflict of Interest

Authors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could inappropriately influence their work. If no conflict exists, include the statement: “The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest”.

11. Funding

All sources of funding should be acknowledged. If the study did not receive specific funding, state: “This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors”.

12. Plagiarism and Originality

All submitted manuscripts are screened for similarity prior to acceptance for publication. Where the similarity index exceeds 15%, the manuscript will be returned to the authors together with the similarity report for necessary revision and clarification. Manuscripts showing a similarity level of 40% or higher will not be considered for publication and outrightly rejected.

Authors are responsible for ensuring that all sources are properly acknowledged and cited. Failure to do so may constitute academic misconduct. If plagiarism or other forms of publication misconduct are identified even after publication, the Journal reserves the right to take appropriate action, including an erratum, retraction, or other appropriate statements. Authors are strongly encouraged to check their manuscripts for similarity before submission to facilitate the review process.

13. Peer Review Process

  • All submissions undergo an initial editorial assessment.
  • Manuscripts that meet the journal’s scope and basic requirements are subjected to double-blind peer review.
  • The Editorial Board reserves the right to accept, reject, or request revisions.
  • Authors will be notified of editorial decisions in due course.

14. Copyright and Open Access

MJPH is an open-access journal. Accepted articles are published online and are freely accessible to readers worldwide. Authors retain responsibility for the content of their work.