Submission Guidelines
Manuscript Submission
Manuscripts should be submitted via email to the official journal address (to be provided). Authors are required to follow the guidelines outlined below to ensure a smooth submission and review process. Any submissions that fail to meet these guidelines may be returned for revisions before consideration.
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Authors must include a cover page as a separate document, containing the title of the manuscript, the full names of all authors, their designations and institutional affiliations, email addresses, and contact numbers. It is also recommended to provide the ORCID iDs of all authors. This information ensures proper attribution of authorship and facilitates communication between the editorial team and the authors.
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To maintain a double-blind peer-review process, authors must anonymize their manuscripts by removing any identifying information from the main document and supplementary materials. Any supplementary files, such as questionnaires or interview schedules, should also exclude identifying details to protect the integrity of the review process.
Submissions must include ethical approval documentation, particularly for research involving human or animal subjects. A copy of the Ethics Review Board (ERB) certificate should accompany the manuscript as evidence of compliance with ethical research standards. Authors are reminded that manuscripts under consideration by another journal or publisher must not be submitted to the CITU - Health Research Journal.
Formatting and Structure
Manuscripts should be well-organized and adhere to the following structure: Title, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion, Conclusions, and References. This standardized format facilitates clarity and ensures that the essential components of the research are communicated effectively.
The abstract should succinctly summarize the study's objectives, methodology, key findings, and conclusions in 150–200 words. Authors are encouraged to provide at least five keywords that capture the essence of the study, making it easier for readers to locate relevant articles during searches.
The main text should be formatted with single-spacing, using a 12-point font in Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, and with 1-inch margins on all sides. Authors should number all lines in the manuscript to assist reviewers during the review process. Tables and figures must be relevant, concise, and appropriately labeled. Authors should place table titles above the tables and figure captions below the figures. All visuals must be submitted in high-quality formats such as JPEG or PNG.
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References should follow the most recent edition of the American Psychological Association (APA) style. Authors are encouraged to cite current and peer-reviewed sources to maintain the credibility and relevance of their research.
Peer-Review Process
The journal adheres to a rigorous double-blind peer-review process, ensuring that both authors and reviewers remain anonymous. This process eliminates bias and guarantees an impartial evaluation of manuscripts. Each submission is reviewed by at least two subject-matter experts who assess the manuscript’s originality, relevance, quality of methodology, and contribution to the field.
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The editorial team aims to complete the peer-review process within 4-6 weeks. Upon receiving reviewer comments, authors are required to revise their manuscripts and submit a detailed response addressing each comment. This iterative process ensures that all feedback is incorporated, resulting in a well-refined manuscript.
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The final decision regarding manuscript acceptance is made by the editorial board based on reviewer recommendations. Decisions typically fall into one of the following categories: acceptance without revisions, acceptance with minor or major revisions, or rejection. Rejected manuscripts are accompanied by constructive feedback to guide authors in improving their work for future submissions.
Post-Publication Features
The NARS - Nursing Allied Research Studies is committed to making research accessible to a global audience. All articles are published under an open-access model, ensuring that readers can freely access, download, and share the journal’s content without subscription fees. Each article is assigned a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to enhance discoverability and citation.
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Authors are provided with impact metrics, including citation counts, download statistics, and readership demographics. These insights allow authors to gauge the reach and influence of their work. Additionally, the journal does not charge authors any fees for submission, processing, or publication, underscoring its dedication to supporting the research community.
Publication Ethics
The NARS - Nursing Allied Research Studies (CHRJ) is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical publishing, in line with the principles and best practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The journal adheres to COPE’s guidelines to ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability at every stage of the publishing process. These ethical standards apply to all stakeholders, including authors, reviewers, editors, and readers, and reflect the journal’s dedication to fostering trust and credibility within the academic community.
By adhering to COPE’s recommendations, the CHRJ ensures that its processes are fair, unbiased, and respectful of the responsibilities of all parties involved in the creation and dissemination of scholarly work. Any breaches of these standards are taken seriously, and the journal is committed to investigating and resolving such issues transparently and ethically.
Ethics Approval
All research involving human participants, animals, or sensitive materials must comply with established ethical guidelines and receive formal approval from an institutional ethics review board (IRB) or equivalent body. Authors are required to provide evidence of this approval by submitting a copy of the ethics clearance certificate alongside their manuscript. Submissions lacking this documentation will not proceed to the review process.
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The journal also requires studies involving vulnerable groups, such as minors, individuals with disabilities, or indigenous communities, to include documentation of additional safeguards to protect participants' rights and well-being. For example, studies involving indigenous communities must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and include certification from qualified experts familiar with the community.
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Animal research must comply with internationally recognized ethical standards, such as the "3Rs" (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), to ensure humane treatment. Authors must also provide documentation for any necessary permits, such as biosafety or environmental clearances, when applicable. These measures align with COPE’s emphasis on the ethical responsibility of researchers to protect participants and ensure the validity of their research.
Informed Consent
The journal requires that all research involving human participants adhere to the principle of informed consent. Participants must be provided with clear and comprehensive information about the purpose, methods, potential risks, and benefits of the study, enabling them to make an informed decision about their participation. This information must be communicated in an accessible manner, taking into account language, literacy levels, and cultural contexts.
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For participants unable to provide consent, such as minors or individuals with cognitive impairments, authors must obtain consent from legally authorized representatives or guardians. Evidence of informed consent must be retained by authors and made available to the journal upon request.
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To protect participants' privacy and confidentiality, identifying information must be anonymized within the manuscript unless explicit consent has been obtained for disclosure. Photographs, videos, or other identifiable data may only be included if written consent is provided and documented.
Ethics Approval
All research involving human participants, animals, or sensitive materials must comply with established ethical guidelines and receive formal approval from an institutional ethics review board (IRB) or equivalent body. Authors are required to provide evidence of this approval by submitting a copy of the ethics clearance certificate alongside their manuscript. Submissions lacking this documentation will not proceed to the review process.
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The journal also requires studies involving vulnerable groups, such as minors, individuals with disabilities, or indigenous communities, to include documentation of additional safeguards to protect participants' rights and well-being. For example, studies involving indigenous communities must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and include certification from qualified experts familiar with the community.
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Animal research must comply with internationally recognized ethical standards, such as the "3Rs" (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), to ensure humane treatment. Authors must also provide documentation for any necessary permits, such as biosafety or environmental clearances, when applicable. These measures align with COPE’s emphasis on the ethical responsibility of researchers to protect participants and ensure the validity of their research.
Informed Consent
The journal requires that all research involving human participants adhere to the principle of informed consent. Participants must be provided with clear and comprehensive information about the purpose, methods, potential risks, and benefits of the study, enabling them to make an informed decision about their participation. This information must be communicated in an accessible manner, taking into account language, literacy levels, and cultural contexts.
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For participants unable to provide consent, such as minors or individuals with cognitive impairments, authors must obtain consent from legally authorized representatives or guardians. Evidence of informed consent must be retained by authors and made available to the journal upon request.
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To protect participants' privacy and confidentiality, identifying information must be anonymized within the manuscript unless explicit consent has been obtained for disclosure. Photographs, videos, or other identifiable data may only be included if written consent is provided and documented.
Plagiarism and Misconduct
The CHRJ follows a strict zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism, duplicate submissions, and other forms of research misconduct. As per COPE’s guidelines, the journal actively screens all submissions using plagiarism detection software to ensure originality and proper attribution of ideas and content.
Submissions with a similarity index exceeding 10%, excluding correctly cited references, will be returned to the authors for revision or rejected outright. Authors must ensure that their manuscripts represent original work and appropriately credit all sources, including their own prior work. Self-plagiarism, where authors reuse significant portions of their previously published content without proper citation or new contributions, is strictly prohibited.
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Duplicate submissions, where the same manuscript is simultaneously submitted to another journal, are also prohibited. If discovered, such manuscripts will be rejected, and authors may face sanctions, including a ban on future submissions. Cases of suspected research misconduct, such as fabrication, falsification of data, or unethical research practices, will be investigated thoroughly in accordance with COPE’s procedures. Proven cases will result in rejection or retraction and may be reported to the authors’ institutions.
Conflict of Interest
In line with COPE’s principles of transparency, authors, reviewers, and editors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the objectivity or integrity of the research, review, or publication process.
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For authors, conflicts of interest may include financial support, such as funding, grants, or sponsorships, as well as personal or professional affiliations that could bias their work. These must be clearly stated in a conflict-of-interest declaration included in the manuscript. Reviewers and editors must also disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where impartiality may be compromised.
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If conflicts of interest are identified after publication, the journal will take appropriate corrective action, which may include issuing corrections, retractions, or editorial statements. This ensures the journal’s commitment to transparency and fairness in accordance with COPE’s best practices.
Data Integrity and Retention
The CHRJ emphasizes the importance of maintaining data integrity throughout the research and publication process. Authors are expected to ensure that all data presented in their manuscripts is accurate, complete, and free from fabrication or falsification. Misrepresentation of data is considered a serious ethical violation and will result in immediate rejection or retraction.
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Authors are required to retain raw data for at least five years following publication. The journal reserves the right to request access to raw data during the review process or post-publication for verification purposes. Authors are encouraged to deposit their data in reputable public repositories and provide corresponding links or DOIs within their manuscripts. This practice promotes transparency and facilitates reproducibility, aligning with COPE’s emphasis on responsible research practices.
Retraction Policy
The CHRJ is dedicated to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of its published content. In cases where ethical violations, significant errors, or scientific misconduct are identified, the journal will initiate the retraction process in accordance with COPE’s guidelines. Retractions are a mechanism to address serious concerns about a published article while maintaining transparency and safeguarding the academic record.
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Retraction notices are published with a clear explanation of the reasons for the retraction, and the original article remains accessible but marked as retracted. The journal ensures
that all parties involved are informed during the process and that due process is followed, including giving authors the opportunity to respond to allegations.
Handling Complaints and Appeals
The NARS - Nursing Allied Research Studies follows a structured approach to addressing complaints and appeals, ensuring fairness, impartiality, and compliance with COPE’s ethical guidelines. Complaints may involve issues such as alleged inaccuracies, unethical practices, copyright infringement, or disputes related to the review process.
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Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief, along with supporting evidence. The editorial team will conduct a thorough investigation and consult external experts if necessary. Depending on the findings, the journal may issue corrections, retractions, or process improvements.
Authors who wish to appeal a rejection decision may submit a detailed explanation outlining their concerns. Appeals are reviewed by an independent panel to ensure objectivity and fairness, and the panel’s decision is final.
Invitation for Reviewers and Associate Editors
The journal invites professionals, researchers, and academicians in health sciences to join its editorial team as reviewers or associate editors. Reviewers play a critical role in maintaining the journal's quality by providing constructive feedback on submitted manuscripts. Associate editors assist in managing the peer-review process, mentoring authors, and shaping the journal's strategic direction.
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Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their CVs and a brief statement of interest to the journal's email address. Contributors will receive recognition for their efforts, including acknowledgment in the journal and complimentary access to published articles.