Guidelines for Authors

Authors submitting their manuscript to JAEP Health Sciences are required to follow the formatting and content guidelines below:

Manuscript format                              

The text is single-spaced; uses a 12-point font; text must be justified, and double spaced, Times New Roman font, employs italics, rather than underlining (except with URL addresses); and all illustrations, figures, and tables are placed within the text at the appropriate points, rather than at the end.

A. Original research.

1. Title and Author Details

• The title of the paper must not exceed 20 words and should be written in 18-point font size.

• Author names should be separated by commas and followed by superscript numbers corresponding to their affiliations.

• Affiliations must include: Department, Institution/University, City, and Country (e.g., Department of Public Health, Johannesburg University, Johannesburg, South Africa).

• Email: Corresponding author email: example: John Mahna, Mahna@gamil.com

2. Abstract

• The abstract must be structured into the following headings: Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion.

• Maximum word count: 300 words.

• Do not exceed 6 keywords.

3. Manuscript Word Count

• The full manuscript total word count range is between 3000 and 5000 words, excluding references, tables, and figures.

4. Introduction

• Provide context and literature background.

• The final paragraph should clearly state the study objective.

• Define all abbreviations at their first appearance in the text.

5. Materials and Methods

Include the following subsections:

• Study Design

• Study Population and Sampling

• Dependent and Independent Variables

• Study Instruments

• Validity and Reliability of the Instrument

  • Validity

  • Reliability

• Statistical Analysis

• Ethical Considerations

6. Results

• Report findings based on statistical analysis.

• Integrate tables and figures within the results section at appropriate points.

• Each table or figure must have a legend placed below it.

7. Conclusion

• Summarize key findings based on the results.

• Avoid introducing new data in this section.

8. Abbreviations

• Use minimal abbreviations. Define all non-standard abbreviations the first time they appear in the text.

9. Acknowledgements

• Acknowledge participants, institutions, or individuals who supported the study.

10. Author Contributions

• Specify contributions using author initials (e.g., J.K. – conceptualization; M.T. – data analysis; R.N. – manuscript writing; etc.).

11. Funding

• Clearly state the funding source and reference number if available.

• If no funding was received, include the statement: “This study did not receive any external funding.”

12. Data Availability Statement

• If the dataset has been submitted, provide the online access link. The dataset should be saved on the free online dataset and provide the link during submission.

• If not submitted, justify the reason (e.g., ethical restrictions, proprietary data).

13. References

• Ensure references are authentic and correspond accurately to in-text citations.

• Accepted referencing styles:

  • APA Style

  • Vancouver Style

• All in-text citations must be correctly formatted and consistent with the reference list.

Example of referencing

1. Vancouver Style

🔹 In-text citation

Use numbers in blanket

• Example:
  “Malnutrition in hospitalized children is often underdiagnosed [1].”
  OR
  “Malnutrition in hospitalized children is often underdiagnosed [1,2].”

• OR
  “Malnutrition in hospitalized children is often underdiagnosed [1-3].”

🔹 Reference list entry

Listed numerically in the order cited:

Example Reference (Journal Article):

1.    Smith J, Taylor R, Khan A. The impact of disease-related malnutrition in pediatric wards. J Clin Nutr. 2020;45(3):123-9.

2. APA Style (7th edition)

🔹 In-text citation

Use author's surname and year in parentheses:

• Example:
  “Malnutrition in hospitalized children is often underdiagnosed (Smith, Taylor, & Khan, 2020).”

• One author: (Smith, 2020)

• For two authors: (Smith & Taylor, 2020)

• For three or more authors: (Smith et al., 2020)

🔹 Reference list entry

List entries alphabetically by author’s surname:

Example Reference (Journal Article):
Smith, J., Taylor, R., & Khan, A. (2020). The impact of disease-related malnutrition in pediatric wards. Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 45(3), 123–129. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jcn.2020.12345

B. Point of View: Perspective or Commentary Articles

Perspective articles present personal viewpoints or critical reflections on health-related topics in a narrative, engaging style. Topics may cover personal experiences, historical insights, or critiques of scientific methodology. The word count range is 1000-1,500, and each submission may include one figure, one table, and up to 10 references. These articles are generally organized into four sections: Abstract, Introduction, Main Discussion (with headings), and a conclusion.

C. Systematic Review and metanalysis Articles

A systematic review article presents a scholarly and balanced evaluation of current developments or the present understanding of a timely subject. Abstract, Introduction, Methods (including PRISMA), Results, Discussion, Conclusion. Ensure the registry of the study before starting with a precision on the methodology process. Unlike original research, it does not include new data or personal clinical experiences. Instead, it synthesizes findings from existing literature to provide insights into advancements in a specific field. These articles begin with a concise abstract of up to 300 words and  with a total word count between 4000 to 6,000. Each section should thoroughly explain relevant disease processes, supported by appropriate images and a sound conclusion. Authors are allowed to include up to 100 references, 30 figures (including subparts), and four tables.

D. Case Series

This section is designated for reporting two or more related clinical cases that share similar outcomes or characteristics. A case series should not exceed 1,500 words and must include an unstructured abstract (up to 150 words), followed by an introduction, a description of the cases, and a discussion section. Authors can include up to 10 references and a maximum of 3 figures or tables. Additionally, up to 5 keywords must accompany the abstract.

E. Case Reports

Case reports should highlight unique, novel, and clinically meaningful cases that offer diagnostic insights or therapeutic challenges with educational value for practitioners. The report must be structured with an unstructured abstract (maximum 150 words), followed by sections such as Introduction, Case Description, Discussion, and Conclusion. The entire report word counts should be (1,500 – 2,500 words) and may include up to 15 references, 4 figures, and 2 tables. A maximum of four authors is permitted.

F. Letters to the Editor

These brief submissions are intended to offer constructive feedback on articles recently published in JAEP Health sciences, typically within the past two months. Letters should reference only the data presented in the original article and must not repeat previously published content or be under review elsewhere. Each letter, typically authored by experts in the field, should include a concise title and be limited to 200 words. The overall word count must not exceed 400. Submissions can include up to 4 references and 2 figures (or 4 image subparts) but no tables. The maximum number of authors is two. Letters and replies are not subject to peer review but may be edited for content and style.

G. Short Communications

Short Communications provide concise reports of completed studies that are narrower in scope or describe novel methods or specific cases. These articles should contain between 1,500 and 2,000 words, including an abstract of up to 200 words. The main body can merge the introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion into a unified section. A maximum of 2 figures, 2 tables, and 15 references is allowed.

H. Lessons from the Field

These contributions detail real-world approaches and operational strategies applied to public health issues, incorporating contextual factors like leadership dynamics, resource constraints, and cultural influences. Articles in this category aim to share practical insights gained from experience. Submissions typically outline the problem, background setting, evidence-informed interventions, stakeholder engagement, and key lessons learned. The structure includes an abstract (up to 300 words) and a total word count between 1000-2,000. Don’t exceed two figures and two tables.