Checklist for manuscript submission

Author Submission Checklist (tick before submitting)

Before submitting, please confirm that your manuscript meets the minimum requirements below. Submissions missing required items may be returned prior to peer review.

A. Scope and article type

☐ The manuscript fits GPHHS (public health practice, health services, health systems, implementation/program evaluation, policy-relevant evidence).

☐ I have selected the correct manuscript category:

☐ Original Research ☐ Short Report ☐ Program/Policy Evaluation ☐ Implementation Research

☐ Systematic/Scoping Review ☐ Methods Paper ☐ Perspective (invited/curated)

B. Files and structure

☐ Manuscript file is in MS Word format (preferred).

☐ Title page is included (authors, affiliations, corresponding author email, ORCID if available).

☐ Abstract reflects the study design and key results (structured abstract recommended).

☐ 4–7 keywords included.

☐ Tables/figures are clearly labeled; abbreviations and units defined.

☐ I have used the Vancouver (numbered) system for referencing.

☐ References are numbered consecutively in the order in which they are first mentioned in the text.

☐ In-text Citation: Indicate references by superscript Arabic numerals (e.g., ¹,²).

C. Methods and reporting (minimum standard)

☐ Study design and setting clearly described.

☐ Participants/sampling and eligibility criteria stated.

☐ Measures/tools described (who collected data, how, and when).

☐ Analysis clearly described and matches objectives.

☐ Results include estimates/effect sizes where appropriate (not only p-values).

D. Required statements (must be in the manuscript)

☐ Ethics approval (committee + reference number) or clear justification if not applicable.

☐ Informed consent statement where relevant.

☐ Conflict of interest declaration.

☐ Funding statement (or “no funding”).

☐ Data availability statement (what is available and how; or why restricted).

☐ AI/LLM disclosure (if used for writing/figures)—tool + purpose + author responsibility.

E. Integrity checks

☐ Work is original and not under review elsewhere.

☐ Similarity is acceptable and sources are properly cited.

☐ Any third-party materials (figures/tables/instruments) have permission/credit lines.

What happens if the checklist is not met?
Manuscripts missing required statements or minimum reporting items may be returned to authors before peer review to protect reviewer time and support faster editorial decisions.