Review Process

The Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health (SJMPH) follows a rigorous and transparent double-blind peer-review process to ensure the highest academic and ethical standards in published research.

Steps in the Review Process:

  1. Initial Screening
  • All submissions are first screened by the editorial office for compliance with journal scope, formatting guidelines, and ethical standards.
  • Manuscripts that do not meet basic requirements may be returned to authors without external review.
    1. Plagiarism Check
  • Manuscripts are screened using plagiarism detection software to ensure originality and compliance with international publishing ethics.
    1. Assignment to Associate Editor
  • Suitable manuscripts are assigned to an Associate Editor with expertise in the subject area for further handling.
    1. Peer Review (Double-Blind)
  • Each manuscript is sent to at least two independent reviewers.
  • Reviewers assess the manuscript’s originality, scientific rigor, ethical compliance, clarity, and relevance to the field.
    1. Editorial Decision
      Based on reviewers’ recommendations, the editor may decide:
  • Accept(with or without minor revisions).
  • Revise and Resubmit(major revisions required).
  • Reject(does not meet the standards of the journal).
    1. Revision & Resubmission
  • Authors are invited to address reviewers’ comments and resubmit their revised manuscript.
  • Revised submissions may undergo a second round of review if necessary.
    1. Final Decision & Acceptance
  • The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision after considering reviewers’ and Associate Editor’s feedback.
  • Accepted manuscripts are copyedited, typeset, and prepared for publication.
    1. Proofs & Publication
  • Authors receive page proofs for approval prior to online publication.
  • Articles are published under the principles of open access, ensuring global visibility.

Ethical Considerations

  • The review process is strictly confidential.
  • Reviewers and editors must declare conflicts of interest.
  • SJMPH adheres to the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

References (Vancouver Style)

  1. International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Recommendations for the conduct, reporting, editing, and publication of scholarly work in medical journals. ICMJE; 2023.
  2. Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers. COPE; 2017.
  3. World Association of Medical Editors (WAME). Best practices for peer review. WAME; 2022.