Manuscript Preparation Guidelines

Manuscripts must be prepared in accordance with International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) Recommendations (January 2026). The recommendations and specific requirements of JOHS are summarized below. Before submitting a manuscript, contributors are requested to check for the latest instructions available.

Authors are responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce copyrighted material. Documentation of any permission obtained must accompany the submission, and any permission still pending must be identified in the Submission Form. Authors must also provide copies of any related published articles and any related mainuscripts that are in preparation or submitted elsewhere.

Word limits are intended as general guidance. Longer manuscripts may be considered for invited submissions or with prior approval from the Editor-in-Chief.

Rules of Usage

JOHS uses the AMA Manual of Style 11th ed. as a foundation and applies JOHS house style as stated in this guide. When a JOHS convention differs from AMA style, the JOHS convention takes precedence.

Numbers, Mathematical Symbols, and Statistical Notation

Numerals

  • Use numerals in most circumstances (eg, 5 participants, not five participants).
  • Spell out a number at the beginning of a sentence, title, subtitle, or heading.
  • Spell out common fractions (eg, two-thirds), ordinals first through ninth, and one when used as a pronoun or in an idiomatic expression.
  • Use numerals for ordinals 10th and above (eg, 10th, 21st). Do not superscript the ordinal suffix.
  • Use commas in numbers of 4 or more digits (eg, 1,000; 10,000; 10,000,000), except in years, page numbers, addresses, and identifiers. Apply this convention in text, tables, and figures.
  • Express rounded large numbers with numerals and words, repeating the magnitude word when needed to avoid ambiguity (eg, "2 million to 3 million," not "2 to 3 million").
  • When numerical expressions would appear consecutively, reword the sentence or spell out one of them (eg, "twenty 3-mL syringes").

Decimals and Precision

  • Include a zero before the decimal point for quantities less than 1 (eg, 0.75 cm).
  • Omit the leading zero for probabilities that cannot exceed 1 (eg, P = .05; α = .05; β = .20).
  • Keep the leading zero for other statistics and coefficients, even when their values cannot exceed 1 (eg, κ = 0.87; Cronbach α = 0.78; standardized β = 0.34).
  • Use consistent decimal precision for comparable values. Report a point estimate and its confidence limits to the same degree of precision unless scientific considerations require otherwise.

Mathematical Symbols and Operators

  • Set a mathematical sign directly next to the number it modifies, without an intervening space (eg, ≤1, >10, ±5).
  • Insert spaces around an operator or relation sign when both expressions are shown (eg, a + b = c; N = 25; P = .05).
  • Use a minus sign (−) for negative values (eg, −0.1).
  • Use the multiplication sign (×) in mathematical expressions and scientific notation (eg, 3.3 × 103).

Sample Size and Counts

  • Use an italic, uppercase N for the entire sample or analysis population.
  • Use an italic, lowercase n for a subgroup or other subsample.
  • Be specific in running text. Example: "Dogs were randomly assigned (N = 120) to the intervention group (n = 60) or control group (n = 60)."
  • In tables, use "No. (%)" for counts and percentages unless N or n specifically identifies sample size.

P Values

  • Use an italic uppercase P.
  • Omit the leading zero and place spaces around the operator (eg, P = .05; P < .001).
  • Report an exact numerical P value when possible rather than only stating that a result crossed a significance threshold.
  • Report values from .001 to less than .01 to the nearest thousandth and values from .01 through .99 to the nearest hundredth (eg, P = .005; P = .05).
  • Report values below .001 as P < .001 and values above .99 as P > .99. Do not report P = .000.
  • For analyses in which exponentially small values are informative, scientific notation is acceptable (eg, P = 1 × 10−5).
  • Present a P value with the data being compared and, when applicable, the effect estimate and measure of uncertainty. Do not present P values alone.

Descriptive Statistics, Effect Estimates, and Confidence Intervals

  • Use uppercase CI and SD; no expansion is needed.
  • Use parentheses when the mean and SD are part of the sentence (eg, "The mean (SD) body weight of the dogs was 18.4 (3.7) kg.").
  • Use brackets when the mean and SD appear within parentheses (eg, "The dogs weighed 10.2 to 25.6 kg (mean [SD], 18.4 [3.7] kg).").
  • Use an unspaced en dash between confidence limits when neither limit is negative (eg, 95% CI, 1.10–1.40).
  • Use "to" instead of an en dash when either confidence limit is negative (eg, 95% CI, −0.1 to 0.9).
  • Report odds ratios, likelihood ratios, relative risks, and hazard ratios to the hundredth place unless the estimate is very small. Use corresponding precision for the confidence limits.

Percentages, Proportions, Rates, and Ratios

  • Set the percent symbol directly next to the numeral and repeat it with each number in a series or range (eg, 75%; 5%–8%; from 0% to 20%).
  • Include the percent symbol with a percentage of zero (0%).
  • At the beginning of a sentence, spell out both the number and the word percent (eg, "Twenty percent of participants . . ."). Rewording is preferable.
  • When a percentage is derived from a study sample, report the underlying count and denominator when useful, particularly for samples smaller than 100 (eg, "Of the 26 adverse events, 19 (73%) occurred in dogs").
  • Distinguish a percentage-point change from a percent change, and provide the original and final values whenever possible.
  • In running text, express a proportion as "8 of 9," not "8/9." Use a slash only for conventionally expressed rates, ordinarily in parentheses or tables.
  • Use a colon for ratios (eg, 1:1).
  • Specify the denominator for a rate unless it is understood to be 100.
  • Give the complete count before the percentage (eg, "10 of 100 dogs (10%) showed improvement," not "10 (10%) of 100 dogs showed improvement").

Ranges and Spans

  • Use an unspaced en dash (–), not a hyphen (-), for a range (eg, 2010–2012; 5–8 mg).
  • Do not omit digits in spans of years, page numbers, or other numerical values.
  • Repeat a symbol that is closed up to its numeral (eg, 5%–8%). A unit separated from the numeral by a space ordinarily appears once after the range (eg, 5–8 mg).
  • Use to when either endpoint is negative. Also use to if the endpoints must be expressed in different units, although expressing both endpoints in the same unit is preferable.
  • Express ranges with either an en dash or a complete paired construction (eg, 8%–10%; from 8% to 10%; between 8% and 10%).

Enumerations

  • Indicate a short in-text series with run-in parenthetical numerals (eg, "The study addressed 3 domains: (1) human health, (2) animal health, and (3) environmental health").
  • For a long or complex enumeration, use an indented numbered list with a period after each number and no parentheses.

Units of Measure

  • Use unit abbreviations without periods (eg, mg, kg, mL).
  • Place a space between a numeral and its unit. Do not pluralize unit abbreviations (eg, 10 lb, not 10 lbs).
  • Place a space between the numeral and the degree symbol (eg, 10 °C; 50 °F).
  • Use SI units when possible. Include a non-SI equivalent in parentheses when it is useful to readers.
  • Use the appropriate currency symbol or currency code when ambiguity is possible (eg, $, €, £, ¥, USD).
  • Describe a change in temperature as higher or lower, not warmer or colder.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

  • Spell out the full term at first mention, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. Thereafter, use the abbreviation alone.
  • The first-mention rule does not apply to units of measure or to standard statistical abbreviations that this guide expressly permits without expansion, including CI and SD.
  • Do not introduce an abbreviation that is used only once.
  • Avoid abbreviations in the title and abstract unless they are essential and readily understood.
  • Do not use periods in acronyms or initialisms (eg, WHO, not W.H.O.).

Inclusive Language

JOHS encourages authors to use respectful, precise, inclusive language in all submissions. Authors should avoid vague, imprecise, outdated, or stigmatizing terms that may mischaracterize individuals, experiences, or populations. Use language that is accurate, specific, and appropriate to the study context.

  • Describe disability, illness, hardship, or lived experience with care and specificity.
  • Avoid wording that implies blame, deficit, or pity.
  • Describe race, ethnicity, economic conditions, and structural factors clearly and accurately when they are relevant to the research question, methods, results, or interpretation.
  • Use respectful terminology for individuals and groups.
  • Avoid offensive, dismissive, or stigmatizing language in any part of the manuscript.

Readability

  • Avoid jargon, inflated phrasing, and archaic terms.
  • Prefer shorter, familiar words over longer alternatives (eg, use "before" instead of "prior to," and use "because" instead of "due to the fact that.")
  • Avoid gendered language unless clinically or contextually relevant. Use gender inclusive terms when appropriate.

If terminology does not meet JOHS editorial standards, revisions may be requested. These requests are intended to improve clarity, accuracy, and respect and do not change the scientific standards used to evaluate the work.

Cover Letter

This file must include all author-identifying information and must be submitted separately from the blinded article file. Submit as .doc, .docx, or .rtf (do not zip).

Requirements:

  • Brief summary: Originality, significance, and fit with JOHS.
  • Elevator pitch: A 1–2 sentence explanation of why the submission will interest JOHS readers.
  • Exclusive submission confirmation: Confirm the manuscript is not under consideration elsewhere.
  • Previous presentation or publication: Note any prior dissemination (eg, abstract, conference presentation, poster, preprint), if applicable.
  • Funding statement: Provide funding statement. If no funding, use: "The author declares that this work received no external funding."
  • Competing interests statement: Provide conflict-of-interest statement. If no competing interests, use: "The author declares no competing interests."
  • Corresponding author attestation: Signed by the corresponding author on behalf of all contributors.

Blinded Article File

This is the anonymized manuscript file uploaded in the Submission Form.

Anonymity Requirements

  • Remove names, initials, ORCIDs, institutional names, geographic locations, grant numbers, ethics-board names, acknowledgments, running headers, or any potential field that contains author information.
  • Cite your own prior work as "Author et al, YEAR" if necessary.

Manuscripts that reveal author identity will be returned for correction before peer review.

File Format

  • One file only: .doc, .docx, or .rtf
  • Do not zip or password-protect the file.

General Presentation

  • Use American English for spelling and punctuation.
  • Start page 1 with the full article title.
  • Number pages sequentially.
  • Double-spaced.
  • 12-point font size.
  • Arial or Arial Nova font throughout, including references, tables, and figure legends.
  • 1-inch margins on all sides.
  • Page numbers placed in the header, upper-right.
  • Do not indent paragraphs.
  • Use the equation editor or MathType for equations, formulas, and complex statistical notation. Type simple inline statistical notation (eg, P, N, n, α, and β) as regular editable text. Do not insert equations as images.

Headings

  • If applicable, use no more than three levels of displayed headings.
  • Avoid abbreviations or acronyms if possible.

Abstract

  • Blinded article file (required): Include a de-identified abstract on page 1 of the blinded manuscript, immediately after the title. Do not include any author- or institution-identifying information in the blinded file.
  • Submission Form (required): Paste the abstract text into the Abstract field. Identifying information may be included here (eg, study site or institution names, locations), because this field is used for journal metadata and production. 
  • Formatting and style: Follow the JOHS Manuscript Preparation Guidelines for abstract structure and length.
  • Clarity requirements: Do not use undefined abbreviations, and do not include unspecified references or citations.
  • Clinical trials (if applicable): Include the trial registration number and registration date, and indicate whether registration was prospective or retrospective.

Acknowledgments

  • Do not include in blinded article file.
  • Insert de-identified Acknowledgments into the relevant Submission Form field. This section will be added during copyediting stage if manuscript is accepted for publication.
  • Non-author contributions (eg, technical, editorial, administrative support).
  • Material support (eg, equipment, datasets, donated services).
  • Whether authors used artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted technologies—such as Large Language Models, chatbots, or image creators—in the production of submitted work.
    • If AI was used for writing assistance, describe this in the Acknowledgments section of the Submission Form.
    • If AI was used for data collection, analysis, or figure generation, describe this in the Acknowledgments section of the Submission Form as well as in the Methods section (if applicable).

Keywords

All submissions must include 5 or more keywords that reflect the central topics of the manuscript. To support indexing and discoverability, authors are encouraged to use keywords that are compatible with Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) when applicable.

Tables (optional)

  • Prepare tables as editable text using the table function in a word processor.
  • Do not insert tables as images.
  • Tables should be self-explanatory and not duplicate material presented in the text.
  • Number tables in Arabic numerals consecutively in the order they are cited in the text, and provide a brief descriptive title for each.
  • Include explanatory footnotes below the table, not in the heading, and explain all nonstandard abbreviations.
  • Use the following symbols for footnotes, in this sequence: *, †, ‡, §, ||, ¶, **, ††, ‡‡
  • Obtain permission for all borrowed, adapted, or modified tables and provide an appropriate credit line in a footnote.
  • Embed each table within the blinded manuscript file near its first mention in the text. Tables should include titles and footnotes but no author identifiers.

Figures (optional)

The corresponding author must upload high quality versions of any figures or images to the Submission Form. JOHS reserves the right to crop, rotate, reduce, or enlarge figures to meet publication specifications.

If figures or images are used:

  • Embed all figures within the blinded manuscript file in their intended locations.
  • Figures must be high resolution (minimum 300 dpi) and clear enough for digital readability and reproduction.
  • Use PNG or SVG format when possible. JPEG is also acceptable.
  • Use Arial, Arial Nova, or a similar sans serif font for all text within figures.
  • Keep lettering and symbols consistent in size, color, and placement across all figures.
  • Figures must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA expectations. Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background for readability in both color and grayscale displays.
  • Do not include titles or captions inside the figure.
  • Provide concise figure legends below each image, defining all abbreviations and explaining symbols used.
  • Number figures consecutively in the order they are cited in the text (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc).
  • Remove identifying information and metadata from figure files and content (eg, author names, institutional logos). The Editorial Operations Manager will reach out to confirm these details after acceptance for publication.

Figure Legends

  • Provide a legend for each figure, written in double-spaced text, with a maximum of 40 words (excluding any credit line).
  • Number legends consecutively with Arabic numerals corresponding to the figures as cited in the text.
  • Include the following in each legend:
  • Identification and explanation of all symbols, arrows, numbers, or letters used.
  • Internal scale (magnification) and, for photomicrographs, the method of staining.
  • For previously published figures, acknowledge the original source in the legend and obtain written permission from the copyright holder. Credit or permission for reproducing a figure or table—even if modified—must be included in the figure legend or table footnote, not in the Acknowledgments section.
  • Photographs of identifiable individuals must be accompanied by written consent for publication.

Section Order by Article Type

Follow the layout for your article type below. You may add subheadings under these main headings as needed, but do not include identifying information in them.

Original Research

  • Title
  • Abstract (structured, ≤300 words)
    • Include trial registry ID if applicable.
  • Keywords
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
    • Conclusions
  • References

Short Research Report

  • Title
  • Abstract (structured, ≤300 words)
  • Keywords
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
    • Conclusions
  • References

Review

  • Title
  • Abstract (structured, ≤300 words)
  • Keywords
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results or Findings
  • Discussion
    • Conclusions
  • References

Special Report

  • Title
  • Abstract (≤150 words)
  • Keywords
  • Background or Rationale
  • Main section—use descriptive subheadings as needed (eg, Case Study, Model Description, Analysis)
  • Implications or Recommendations
  • References

Editorial

  • Title
  • Abstract (≤150 words)
  • Keywords
  • Main section—may be one continuous section without headings
  • References

By invitation or prior approval.

Viewpoint

  • Title
  • Abstract (≤150 words)
  • Keywords
  • Main section—may be one continuous section without headings
  • References

Innovation

  • Title
  • Abstract (≤150 words)
  • Keywords
  • Main section—may be one continuous section without headings
  • References

Policy Pearl

  • Title
  • Abstract (≤150 words)
  • Keywords
  • Context
  • Key Insights
  • Practice or Policy Implications
  • References

By invitation or prior approval.

Policy Proposal

  • Title
  • Abstract (≤150 words)
  • Keywords
  • Background
  • Proposed Policy or Intervention
  • Justification and Supporting Evidence
  • Feasibility and Next Steps
  • References

Meeting Report

  • Title
  • Abstract (≤150 words)
  • Keywords
  • Meeting Overview
  • Key Sessions or Outcomes
  • Recommendations or Next Steps (optional)
  • References (if applicable)
  • Appendices (optional, including agenda or sample abstracts)

By invitation or prior approval.

Task Force Report

  • Title
  • Abstract (≤150 words)
  • Keywords
  • Introduction
  • Methods (if applicable)
  • Findings or Recommendations
  • Discussion
    • Conclusions
  • References

By invitation or prior approval.

Education Research

  • Title
  • Abstract (structured, ≤300 words)
  • Keywords
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
    • Conclusions
  • References

Curricula

  • Title
  • Abstract (structured, ≤300 words)
  • Keywords
  • Background or Rationale
  • Learning Objectives
  • Methods
  • Implementation
  • Evaluation
  • Discussion
  • References
  • Supplemental Materials (required; eg, lesson plans, facilitator guides, assessments, multimedia)

Letter to the Editor

  • Title
  • Main section (≤500 words; no headings)
  • References

Not peer reviewed.

Data Sharing and Availability Statements

All research manuscripts must include a Data Availability Statement or, when applicable, a Data Sharing Statement. This is entered in the Submission Form by the corresponding author. If accepted for publication, this section is placed at the end of the manuscript after the References section during copyediting.

Data Availability Statement

Authors must describe where the data supporting the findings can be accessed, or explain why the data are not publicly available (eg, privacy, legal, or ethical restrictions).

Examples:

  • The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in the University of Tennessee TRACE repository at [insert persistent URL or DOI].
  • The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
  • Data are not publicly available due to confidentiality agreements with participants but may be shared in de-identified form upon reasonable request.

Data Sharing Statement

For clinical trials or other interventional research, authors must provide a Data Sharing Statement that fulfills the ICMJE Recommendations.

The statement must indicate:

  1. Whether individual de-identified participant data (including data dictionaries) will be shared ("undecided" is not acceptable).
  2. What data in particular will be shared.
  3. Whether additional related documents (eg, study protocol, statistical analysis plan) will be available.
  4. When the data will become available and for how long.
  5. By what access criteria data will be shared (including with whom, for what analyses, and by what mechanism).

References

  • JOHS follows the AMA Manual of Style, 11th edition, using numbered references in order of citation.
  • Journal titles should be abbreviated according to the NLM Catalog.
  • Authors are encouraged to cite recent (ie, within the past 10 years), peer-reviewed literature; older references should be used only when historically or contextually necessary.

In-Text Citations

  • Citations in the text, tables, and figure legends should be identified using superscript Arabic numerals placed after punctuation (eg, " . . . the professions.1,2").
  • References that are cited only in tables or figures should follow the numbering sequence based on where the table or figure is first mentioned. Avoid citing abstracts when full articles are available.

Authors in the Reference List

  • List each author's surname followed by initials without periods, and do not use "and" between names.
  • Include all authors unless there are more than 6, in which case list the first 3 followed by "et al."

Group Authors

  • When a work is authored by a committee or organization, list the group name as the author.
  • When individually named authors appear alongside a group, place a semicolon before the group name.
  • Drop articles such as "the" from the beginning of group names in the reference list.
  • If an article has no named author, omit the author field entirely.
  • Use "Anonymous" only if that word appeared in the original byline.

Authors Cited in Running Text

  • When referring to authors by name in the text, only use surnames.
  • For a 2-author reference, list both surnames. For references with more than 2 authors, use the first author's surname followed by "et al," "and coauthors," or "and colleagues."
  • Do not use the possessive form "et al's"—rephrase the sentence instead.

Unpublished Work and Personal Communications

  • Unpublished work that has been submitted but not yet accepted should be cited in the text as "unpublished observations."
  • Written permission should be obtained from the source.
  • Personal communications should be cited sparingly; include the name of the individual and the date in parentheses.
  • Neither unpublished observations nor personal communications should appear in the reference list.

Additional Resources

For less common reference types (eg, government reports, news articles, social media), consult the ICMJE Recommendations or the NLM's Citing Medicine guide.

Supplemental Materials

Use of supplemental materials varies by manuscript type. Supplemental materials may be submitted to provide additional content, data, or resources that are integral to understanding or applying the article. These files are published online with the article. Supplemental files that are essential to evaluating a manuscript’s methodology, data transparency, or conclusions are included in the peer review process. All supplemental materials are subject to the same confidentiality and ethical standards as the main manuscript.

File Format

  • Acceptable formats include .docx, .pptx, .pdf, .xlsx, .csv, and other commonly used, non-proprietary formats.
  • Files must be ≤20 MB.
  • Do not embed supplemental content within the blinded manuscript file.
  • Use clear, descriptive file names and refer to each supplemental item within the text.
  • Datasets or media files exceeding 50 MB should be deposited in a public data repository with the DOI or URL provided in the Data Availability Statement.

Content Standards

  • Materials must be directly relevant to the article and referenced within the text (eg, lesson plans, facilitator guides, datasets, coding scripts, detailed protocols, video demonstrations, extended tables or figures, multimedia).
  • Materials must be publication-ready and accessible: provide captions or transcripts for audio/video, alt text for images, and clear legends or titles for all files.

Ethics and Permissions

  • Remove all identifying information, unless essential and with documented consent.
  • Obtain permissions or ensure a compatible open license for any third-party content.
  • Supplemental files are published under the same CC BY 4.0 license as the main article.

Referencing and Legends

  • Cite supplemental materials in the text in sequence.
  • Provide a brief descriptive legend for each file upon submission.

Review and Archiving

  • Supplemental materials will be peer reviewed at the Associate Editor’s discretion.
  • All accepted supplemental files are archived permanently alongside the article in TRACE.

Reporting Guidelines

JOHS recommends that relevant EQUATOR Network reporting guidelines be followed depending on the type of study.

Reports of randomized clinical trials should present information on all major study elements, including the protocol, assignment of interventions (methods of randomization, concealment of allocation to treatment groups), and the method of masking (blinding), based on the CONSORT Statement. Per ICMJE guidelines, clinical trials should be registered in a public trials registry (eg, ClinicalTrials.gov) before enrollment of the first participant.

Authors should use the following guidelines as applicable to study design:

  • STROBE for observational studies, including cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies
  • CONSORT for randomized controlled trials
  • SQUIRE for quality improvement projects
  • PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses
  • STARD for studies of diagnostic accuracy
  • CARE for case reports
  • AGREE for clinical practice guidelines
  • MMARS for mixed methods studies
  • SRQR for qualitative research (also relevant to the qualitative component of mixed methods)

Statistics

  • Describe statistical methods with enough detail to enable a knowledgeable reader with access to the original data to assess the methods and verify the reported results.
  • For surveys and intervention studies or trials, report the response or participation rate and discuss potential biases related to participation, selection, nonresponse, voluntary response, social desirability, or other relevant factors. Provide evidence that the sample is representative of the population of interest regardless of the response rate.
  • Assess the assumptions of each statistical method and describe any important violations and how they were addressed.
  • Describe the procedures used to handle missing data.
  • For analyses involving multiple comparisons, describe how the potential for type I error was addressed. Use an appropriate adjustment when warranted, or identify the analyses as exploratory.
  • When possible, quantify findings and report appropriate measures of uncertainty, such as confidence intervals. Report P values with the data being compared and format them according to the P Values section.
  • Report confidence intervals for effect estimates, including mean differences, differences in proportions, risk ratios, odds ratios, and hazard ratios.
  • Report effect size estimates when appropriate.
  • Identify the statistical software used, including the software name, version, and manufacturer.

Mixed Methods Research

  • For mixed methods studies, identify the specific design type (eg, convergent parallel, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential) and the rationale for using a mixed methods approach.
  • Describe the setting, participants, sampling, and data collection procedures for both the qualitative and quantitative strands, following the relevant guidance for each.
  • Indicate the sequencing of methods (qualitative first, quantitative first, or concurrent) and justify the integration approach.
  • Explain how qualitative and quantitative data sets were linked during analysis (eg, merging, connecting, embedding) and how integration informed interpretation.
  • Address the quality criteria for both strands, including credibility and trustworthiness for qualitative components and statistical rigor for quantitative components.
  • Clearly describe how the mixed methods approach provided insights not obtainable through a single method.
  • Authors should follow the Mixed Methods Article Reporting Standards (MMARS) and SRQR (for the qualitative strand), in addition to any other applicable guidelines.

Qualitative/Naturalistic Inquiry

  • Provide sufficient detail regarding the setting, participants, researcher role, and data collection procedures, including observation, interviews, and/or document analysis.
  • Describe the development of codes, categories, and the recording of inferences as the conceptual scheme develops.
  • Include information on member checking or validation, and triangulation as appropriate to enhance credibility of findings.
  • Present results by showcasing exemplars that relate to the categories associated with the conceptual scheme and/or providing a cohesive narrative to demonstrate trustworthiness of the results.
  • Authors should follow the SRQR standards for qualitative research.

Quantitative Observational Research

  • For observational quantitative studies (eg, cross-sectional, case-control, cohort), provide a clear description of the study design and rationale.
  • Specify the study setting, sampling frame, participant eligibility criteria, recruitment procedures, and sample size determination, including any power or precision calculations.
  • Describe the measurement tools, scales, or instruments used, including evidence of reliability and validity. For data collection, indicate the timing, frequency, and method of administration. Identify the primary and secondary outcome measures and explanatory variables.
  • Describe procedures to ensure data quality, including training of data collectors and monitoring of data entry.
  • Clearly state the statistical analysis plan, including methods used to control for potential confounding variables. Report how missing data were addressed. Authors should follow the STROBE guidelines for observational studies.

Results

  • Present your results in a logical sequence in the text, tables, and illustrations, giving the main or most important findings first. Do not repeat in the text all the data that appears in the tables or illustrations; emphasize or summarize only important observations.
  • Supplemental materials and technical details can be placed in an appendix.
  • When data are summarized in the Results section, give numeric results not only as derivatives (for example, percentages) but also as the absolute numbers from which the derivatives were calculated, and specify the statistical methods used to analyze them.
  • Restrict tables and figures to those needed to explain the argument of the paper and to assess its support.
  • Use graphs as an alternative to tables with many entries; do not duplicate data in graphs and tables.
  • Where scientifically appropriate, analyses of the data by variables such as sex or gender, race or ethnicity, age, and other demographic factors should be included.

Discussion

  • Should include a summary of key findings; strengths and limitations of the study (eg, study question, study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation); Interpretation and implications in the context of the totality of validity evidence (what this study adds to the available evidence, effects on healthcare, health policy, etc.).
  • It is incumbent upon authors to summarize validity evidence in light of modern validity theories (eg, authors should speak to the accuracy of results, appropriateness of inferences, considerations regarding intended use, etc.).
  • The Discussion section should present any controversies raised by the study and present directions for future research.

Miscellaneous

  • Do not repeat in detail data or other material given in the Introduction or the Results section.
  • Contributors should avoid making statements on economic benefits and costs unless their manuscript includes economic data and analyses.
  • Avoid claiming priority and alluding to work that has not been completed.
  • New hypotheses may be stated if needed; however, they should be clearly labeled as such.

Protection of Patients' Rights to Privacy

  • Identifying information should not be published in written descriptions, photographs, etc., or pedigrees unless the information is essential for scientific purposes and the patient (or parent or guardian, when applicable) provides written informed consent for publication.
  • Authors should remove patients’ names and other direct identifiers from figures unless written informed consent for publication has been obtained.
  • Authors, not the journal or publisher, must obtain the patient consent form before publication and ensure that it is properly archived or retained by the authors or their institution. Consent forms should not be uploaded with the cover letter or sent by email to the journal or publisher unless specifically requested.
  • If the manuscript contains patient images that preclude anonymity, or a description for which there is an obvious indication of the patient’s identity, the manuscript must include a statement confirming that written informed consent for publication was obtained.

 

Submission Checklist

1. Register

The corresponding author will be prompted to log in when completing the submission form. Register as a JOHS author or use ORCID iD to log in.

2. Required Files

These should be uploaded to the submission form by the corresponding author. All items must be prepared following the Manuscript Preparation Guidelines.

Manuscript File:

Figures and Data Files:

  • Cover letter: .doc, .docx, or .rtf
  • ICMJE disclosure of interest forms: One per author; these are not published.
  • Supplemental materials (if applicable): Accessible and publication-ready, with captions, alt text, and transcripts where applicable.

3. Formatting

  • 12-point font (Arial or Arial Nova), double-spaced, 1-inch margins, and continuous page numbering in upper-right corner.
  • In-text citations must be formatted per Manuscript Preparation Guidelines.
  • References follow AMA 11th edition style with DOIs when available. Online sources without a DOI must include an access date.

4. Anonymization

  • Remove author names, affiliations, acknowledgments, ethics board names, and grant numbers from the blinded article file. Replace applicable fields with "[deidentified].
  • Delete identifying metadata from file properties.
  • Use third-person phrasing for self-citations, if applicable (eg, "Blackwell et al" rather than "our previous work").

5. Reporting Standards

  • Reporting Guidelines: If applicable, include or cite the appropriate reporting checklist.
  • Data Transparency: If applicable, include the dataset DOI or repository link in the Data Availability Statement (eg, OSF, Zenodo) following FAIR principles.
  • Ethical and Legal Compliance: If applicable, confirm ethical approvals (human, animal, or community-based) are documented in the manuscript and Cover Page Footnotes, consistent with JOHS and ICMJE standards. Verify permissions are secured for any adapted figures, tables, or datasets.

6. Final Review Before Submission

  • Confirm all authors approve the final version and contribution statement.
  • Verify all uploaded files open correctly and use clear filenames (eg, JOHS_Blinded_Manuscript_Title.docx).
  • Review for grammar, clarity, and adherence to Manuscript Preparation Guidelines, and for References, AMA 11th ed.

7. Submission Form Fields

Author Agreement

The corresponding author who completes the submission form must agree to the following:

  • Publication fees
  • Copyright notice

If any conflict of interests in the publication of this article, please describe in "Competing Interests" field.

Page 1: Article Information

  • Article Title: Use Headline Style Capitalization.
  • Abstract: Enter within the required word limit and structure for the selected manuscript type. See Information For Authors.
  • Language: Select English.
  • Section: Select the type of submission (ie, Original Research, Viewpoint, etc.).
  • License: Select CC BY 4.0.
  • Keywords: Provide at least 5. Use MeSH terms where possible.
  • Author Contribution Statement: Provide a complete author contribution statement using the CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy). List each author’s name and the role(s) they performed.
  • Acknowledgments: Include any acknowledgments you would like the journal to consider for publication (eg, de-identified names, institutions, grant numbers, etc. may be included here).
  • Short Title: ≤65 characters (used in article header).
  • One Health Sector(s): Select one or more JOHS sectors (Health and Well-Being; Economic and Community Support; Housing, Transportation, and Infrastructure; Education, Policy, and Research). See Information For Authors
  • Data Sharing and Availability Statements: If applicable, complete according to Manuscript Preparation Guidelines. If not applicable, leave blank.
  • Peer Reviewer Suggestions: Provide 2–3 suggested peer reviewers (name, affiliation, institutional email). Reviewers must be independent of the authors.
    • Editors may select reviewers other than those suggested.
    • This is required even if your default review pathway is single-blind, as associate editors may elect to pursue external peer review on an as-needed basis
  • Permissions for Third-Party or Copyrighted Material: If applicable, describe any permissions obtained to reuse third-party or copyrighted material (eg, figures, tables, images, or substantial text excerpts), and include the rights holder and permission status (granted or pending).

Page 2: Author Information

  • Correspondence author: By default, the user completing the submission form is assgined as the corresponding author. "Change correspondence" may be used to assign this role to another user. Instructions are embedded within this feature of the submission form.
  • Add more authors: Additional authors may be added via "Search" function using ORCID iD or email. Alternativey, author information may be manually entered.
    • The corresponding author must confirm with each author whether "Display email" should be enabled.
    • For ORCID iD to be connected, the author must be added using the ORCID iD function.
  • Roles: For each author, CRediT roles must be assigned. Authors must confirm these with the corresponding author. The corresponding author must confirm with each author what roles should be added. Cover letter uploaded on Page 3 should expound full CRediT taxonomy as applicable.

Page 3: Upload files

Page 4: Funding Information

  • Here, you may search the FundRef database to add grant IDs to your article's metadata.
  • If you can't find a specific funder, you can manually enter the details. You can also edit or delete entries as necessary.
  • If no funder(s), this step may be skipped.

Page 5: Review your submission

  • Please review your submission. If you need to make changes, use the links to move back along the submission steps. You must click the "Complete Submission" button at the foot of this page to complete the submission process. You will then receive a receipt email.
  • Comments to the Editor: Before submitting, you have the option to add additional comments for the Associate Editor, Editorial Operations Manager, or Editor-in-Chief.