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Start SubmissionThe Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (JCCPSL) is the official publication of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL). It is open-access, peer-reviewed and considers articles relevant to the disciplines of epidemiology, statistics, health systems, health service management, community medicine, public health and related fields. Submissions are accepted from both local and international authors to be considered for publication.
When considering articles for review, only those conducted within the last five years will be considered. However, if the study has been on a subject area/topic with current knowledge limited to a few scientific publications or the situation (e.g. diagnostic criteria, guidelines, prevailing conditions) has not drastically changed beyond five years, such articles would be considered for review on a case-by case basis.
The Journal publishes the following article types:
Authors should consult the journal's Research Integrity page to see its ethical policies before submitting a manuscript.
Manuscripts should be prepared using the specifications given below:
You must ensure that the English language used is of sufficient quality, to be understood by the general readership, and for the editorial board and reviewers to accurately assess the work presented in your manuscript. You are strongly advised to seek external support to improve the language quality of the submitting article. The Editorial Board of the JCCPSL reserves the right to edit the manuscript in order to improve language of the article without distorting the contents.
Cover story depicts a historical or landmark occurrence in relation to public health in Sri Lanka.
Perspectives/opinions and Point of view will be considered for publication in the following forms of communication:
Abstract and article structure: No uniform format prescribed. Word limit is 500-1000 (all except the title page). No images (Tables and Figures). References should not exceed 5.
Correspondence is based on previously published articles on the interpretation of findings or on any other item of interest to public health practitioners/clinicians/academics/researchers; it should be submitted within 8 weeks of publication. The original authors should respond in a reply to comments made on such articles.
Structure: No uniform format prescribed. Word count should not be more than 500 (including all other than the title page).
Please note that the correspondence/ reply may be edited for clarity or length, and may be subjected to peer review at the Editor’s discretion.
These articles should be based on original research studies. The article is more likely to be accepted if it is sufficiently novel, providing results generalizable beyond a small geographical area, and with a clear message that adds to the current scientific knowledge for improving the current practices, health systems or services in the country.
Structure:
Original research articles should report original research work carried out by the authors. This type of article is based on the peer-reviewed process and should follow STROBE (http://www.strobe-statement.org/), STARD (http://www.stard-statement.org/), CONSORT (http://www.consort-statement.org/) or SPIRIT (http://www.spirit-statement.org/).
The manuscript should be organised with sections in the following sequence, with each section starting on a new page.
You can download a sample article from here.
Title page
The title page should show the main title, running title and the list of authors in the order in which it should appear in the published article. Full name, the institutional affiliation and email address of each author should be given. The corresponding author should be indicated.
Number of words in the abstract and in the article (excluding author declarations, references, figures and legends, tables), and the number of tables and figures should be indicated.
Abstract
The abstract should not exceed 300 words.
The use of abbreviations should be minimal while references should not be cited in the abstract. Reports of randomized controlled trials should follow the CONSORT extension for abstracts.
Key words - Immediately below the abstract, 3-6 keywords that identify the main topics in the paper should be given.
Introduction
This section should explain the background of the study, based on existing literature on the current status of the problem, gaps in current knowledge, and why this study was necessary or its contribution to the field. Objectives should be clearly stated at the end of the introduction.
Methods
This section should include:
Results
This section should summarise the salient findings of the study, including the statistical interpretation of the findings.
All values (variable values, percentages, p value and other statistical figures) should be limited to two decimal points.
Discussion
This section should compare the findings with previous research studies, discuss the implications of the findings in the context of existing knowledge and highlight the strengths and limitations of the study.
Conclusions & Recommendations
This section should state clearly the main conclusions and provide an explanation of the importance and relevance of the study reported.
Public Health Implications (placed within a text box)
This section should provide a short description in point-form regarding the public health implications of the research findings or the subject/s discussed. The word limit is 100 words.
This section will be published in a box within the article.
Author Declarations
Where relevant, authors should declare the following aspects at the end of the manuscript.
References
All references, including URLs should be numbered (Vancouver system) in the order in which they are cited in the text. Use Arabic numerals within parentheses. Do not superscript.
Example: Several studies had reported that females are less physically active than males (16).
If more than one reference within parenthesis, combine with a comma or hyphen, as given below.
Examples:
Several studies had reported that females are less physically active than males (16-18).
Several studies had reported that females are less physically active than males (14, 16).
Articles, clinical trial registration records and abstracts that have been published or are in press, are available through public e-print/preprint servers, or published and available in local libraries in thesis or dissertation format can be cited.
Unpublished abstracts, unpublished data and personal communications should not be included in the reference list, but can be included in the text and referred to as “personal communications” (unpublished), giving the names of the involved researchers. Obtaining permission to quote personal communications and unpublished data from the cited colleagues is the responsibility of the author.
Any articles cited including those ‘in press’ and necessary for the reviewers’ assessment of the manuscript should be made available, if requested by the editorial office.
Before submission, the reference list should be fully formatted as examples given below. For abbreviated journal names, follow the Index Medicus or MEDLINE.
Journal articles
Add comma only at the end of each author name. Do not capitalise every word of the title. Give the abbreviated journal name in italics. Give DOI as below for every journal article. Do NOT give date of access for journal articles.
Hoffman T, Nissen K, Krambrich J, Rönnberg B, Akaberi D, Esmaeilzadeh M. Evaluation of a COVID-19 IgM and IgG rapid test: an efficient tool for assessment of past exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Infect Ecol Epidemiology 2020; 10(1): 175-179. DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2020.1754538.
William J & Holmes CA. Improving the early detection of children with subtle developmental problems. J Child Health Care 2004; 8(1): 34-46. DOI: 10.1177/1367493504041852.
MSc/MD dissertation or thesis
Do not capitalise each word of the title. If also available as an online document, give the URL.
Bandusena ASL. Children aged eighteen months at risk of developmental delay in Colombo district: prevalence, parental perceptions and facilities for care. MD Thesis (Community Medicine). Colombo: Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, 2010.
Report
Give the source as below. Capitalise each word of the report/book title. If also available as an online document, give the URL.
Lwanga SK & Lemeshow S. Sample Size Determination in Health Studies: a Practical Manual. Geneva: World Health Organization, 1991. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/40062.
Medical Statistical Unit. Annual Health Bulletin 2019, Sri Lanka. Colombo: Ministry of Health, 2014. Available from:
http://www.health.gov.lk/moh_final/english/public/elfinder/files/publications/AHB/AHS%202019.pdf.
Ministry of Health & UNICEF Sri Lanka. Improving the Practice of Complementary Feeding: Experience from a Community-Based Programme in Hambantota District. Colombo: Ministry of Health, 2015. Available from: http://www.mri.gov.lk/assets/Nutrition/2014-Complementray-feeding-HMBANTOTA-.pdf.
Book with or without editors
Capitalise each word of the book title.
Juran J & Godfrey A. Quality Control Handbook (6th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010.
Hemingway E. The killers. In J Updike & K Kenison (Eds.). The Best American Short Stories of the Century (pp.78-80). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999.
Presentation at a conference
Do not capitalise each word of the title.
Harrison P. Meditation improves the wellbeing of cancer survivors. 12th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS), Washington, DC, 27 Apr-1 May, 2011.
BBC News. Coronavirus lockdown protest: what’s behind the US demonstrations? BBC News, 21 April 2020. Available from: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52359100.
Unpublished article
MacPhee D. Manual: Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory (unpublished manuscript). University of North Carolina, 1981.
More than six authors
Rose ME, Huerbin MB, Melick J, Marion DW, Palmer AM, Schiding JK, et al. Regulation of interstitial excitator concentrations after cortical contusion injury. Brain Res. 2002;935(1-2):40-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-8993(02)02445-9
Organization as author
Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. Hypertension, insulin & proinsulin in participants with imp. tolerance. Hypertension. 2002;40(5):679-86. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.HYP.0000035706.28494.09 PMid: 12411462 PMCid: PMC2516377
No author given
21st century heart solution may have a sting in the tail. BMJ. 2002;325(7357):184. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.325.7357.184
Volume with supplement
Geraud G, Spierings EL, Keywood C. Tolerability and safety of frovatriptan with short- and long-term use for migraine and in comparison with sumatriptan. Headache. 2002;42Suppl 2:S93-9. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-4610.42.s2.7.x PMid: 12028325
Issue with supplement
Glauser TA. Integrating clinical trial data into clinical practice. Neurology. 2002;58(12 Suppl 7):S6-12. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.58.12_suppl_7.S6 PMid: 12084862
Issue with part
Ahrar K, Madoff DC, Gupta S, Wallace MJ, Wright KC. Development of a large animal model for lun. Vasc Interv Radiol. 2002;13(9 Pt 1):923-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1051-0443(07)61776-X
Issue with no volume
Banit DM, Kaufer H, Hartford JM. Intraoperative frozen section analysis in revision total joint arthroplasty.. 2002;(401):230-8. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003086-200208000-00026 PMid: 12151900
No volume or issue
Outreach: bringing HIV-positive individuals into care. HRSA Careaction. 2002 Jun:1-6.
Issued by performing agency
Russell ML, Goth-Goldstein R, Apte MG, Fisk WJ. Method for measuring the size distribution of airborne Rhin Berkeley (CA): Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Environmental Energy Technologies Division; 2002 No.: LBNL49574. Contract No. DEAC0376SF00098. Sponsored by the Department of Energy.
Dictionary and similar references
Dorland's illustrated medical dictionary. 29th ed. Philadelphia: W B Saunders; 2000. Filamin; p. 675.
Electronic material
CD-ROM
Anderson SC, Poulsen KB. Anderson's electronic atlas of haematology [CD-ROM]. Philadelphia: Lippincott Will 2002.
Journal article on the Internet
Abood S. Quality improvement initiative in nursing homes: the ANA acts in an advisory role. Am J Nurs [seri Internet]. 2002 Jun [cited 2002 Aug 12]; 102(6): [about 3p.]. Available from: http://www.nursingworld.org/AJN/2002/june/Wawatch.htm
Monograph on the Internet
Foley KM, Gelband H, editors. Improving palliative care for cancer [monograph on the Internet]. Washington Academy Press; 2001 [cited 2002 Jul 9]. Available from: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309074029/html/.
Part of a homepage/Web site
American Medical Association [homepage on the Internet]. Chicago: The Association; c1995-2002 [updated cited 2002 Aug 12]. AMA Office of Group Practice Liaison; [about 2 screens].Available from: http://www.anassn.org/ama/pub/category/1736.html
Referring to an online newsfeed (with date) –
Give the source as below. …., 23 May 2020. Available from: [website].
No need to give date of access if the news item has a date. Do not capitalise each word of the title.
Aravindan A & Geddie J. Singapore charges visitors for coronavirus treatment after imported Indonesian cases. Reuters, 10 March 2020. Available from:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-healthcoronavirus-singapore/singapore-charges-visitors-for-coronavirus-treatment-after-imported-indonesiancases-idUSKBN20X0EW.
Referring to a website (with no date)
Give the source as below. ….. Available from: [website]. Accessed 30 May 2020.Give date of access if the news item has no date. Do not capitalise each word of the title.
CDC. 2012. History of quarantine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/historyquarantine.html. Accessed 20 April 2020.
Beckett, Lois. 2020. Armed protesters demonstrate against COVID-19 lockdown at Michigan capitol. Guardian. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/30/michigan-protests-coronavirus-lockdownarmed-capitol. Accessed 30 April 2020.
Tables
All the tables should be placed after the Reference list in the manuscript, and numbered using Arabic numerals in the order in which they are cited in the text.
All tables must be typed 1.5 spaced, and each given on a separate page.
Table title should be placed above the table. The captions of columns and rows should be clearly labelled with the relevant units of measurement.
All vertical lines in the tables should be removed, but horizontal lines may be left when necessary to separate major sections of the table.
Tables should not be embedded as figures or spreadsheet files, but formatted using ‘Insert Table’ and ‘Table Tools’ functions in your word processing programme. Colour and shading should not be used in tables. Parts of the table can be highlighted using superscript, numbering, lettering, symbol or bold text, the meaning of which should be explained in a table legend. Commas should not be used to indicate numerical values or decimal points.
Figures
All the figures should be provided as separate files, one figure in each file, and not embedded in the main manuscript.
Only the figure titles (maximum 15 words) and legends (maximum 300 words) should be provided in the manuscript after the Reference list, and not in the graphic file.
Figures should be numbered in the order in which they are cited in the text. Multi-panel figures (those with parts a, b, c, d etc.) should be submitted as a single composite file that contains all parts of the figure.
Figure keys should be incorporated into the graphic, not in to the legend of the figure. Each figure should be closely cropped to minimize the amount of white space surrounding the illustration.
Individual figure files should not exceed 10 MB.
It is the responsibility of the authors to obtain permission from the copyright holder to reproduce figures (or tables) that have previously been published elsewhere. Permission should be indicated in the figure legend, and the original source included in the reference list.
A brief report is on research findings in line with the journal’s scope and of particular interest to the community. A few examples are given below:
Reviews made on public health related issues, projects or programmes that are of contemporary importance are accepted for publication under this category.
Original research articles should report original research work carried out by the authors. This type of article is based on the peer-reviewed process and should follow STROBE (http://www.strobe-statement.org/), STARD (http://www.stard-statement.org/), CONSORT (http://www.consort-statement.org/) or SPIRIT (http://www.spirit-statement.org/).
Copyright of articles in the Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka is retained by the author(s). The authors grant the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka a licence to publish the article and to identify itself as the original publisher.
The Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. This licence permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Authors are free to deposit their articles in an institutional repository.
Before submission,
· You must read carefully the section on Author Guidelines and prepare your manuscript accordingly.
· Manuscripts are only accepted online through the portal of Sri Lanka journals online (SLJOL). Visit http://jccpsl.sljol.info and select the Journal of College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (JCCPSL).
· To submit a manuscript, you must first be registered in our Editorial Manager system using an existing or newly created username and password.
· Next, choose the ‘Start Submission’ link and follow the five-step article submission process which is a simple and self-guided process.
JCCPSL does not charge any article-processing or publishing fee.
Procedure for Resubmission of Articles
· The same submission procedure should be followed when uploading resubmissions based on reviewer comments.
· The article should be revised according to the comments suggested by the editorial board reviewers. The revised article (including the tables and figures) should be uploaded, accompanied by a cover letter giving responses to each issue raised by the reviewers in a point by point confirmation/rebuttal. Please make sure the changes made are indicated in relation to each point by the page number and line number of the article.
· Please refrain from making the changes using track changes.
For further information or assistance, please contact the co-editors:
Carukshi Arambepola - carukshi@commed.cmb.ac.lk
Shamini Prathapan - shamini@sjp.ac.lk
Editorial Office email: editorjccpsl@gmail.com
As part of the submission process, authors are required to check off their submission's compliance with all of the following items, and submissions may be returned to authors that do not adhere to these guidelines.
The manuscript should be accompanied by a cover letter with the following declarations:
1.1 The manuscript has not been published elsewhere nor submitted to another Journal for consideration for publication.
1.2 If the manuscript is accepted for publication, the authors grant the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka a licence to publish the article and to identify itself as the original publisher.The submission file is in Microsoft Word or RTF file format.
You can download the article template from here and insert your text into it.
The text is 1.5 spaced; uses 12-point Times New Roman font; all page numbers and line numbers are inserted; and all illustrations, figures, and tables are placed after the reference list.
Copyright of articles in the Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka is retained by the author(s). The authors grant the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka a licence to publish the article and to identify itself as the original publisher.
The names and email addresses entered in this journal site will be used exclusively for the stated purposes of this journal and will not be made available for any other purpose or to any other party. The full privacy policy can be viewed here.