Peer Review Process

Kota Kinabalu Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine (KKJPHCM) implements a rigorous, transparent, and fair peer-review process to ensure the publication of high-quality, original, and impactful research in public health and community medicine. All submitted manuscripts undergo the following stages:

1. Initial Editorial Screening

Upon submission, the editorial team conducts a preliminary evaluation to ensure that:

  • The manuscript aligns with the journal’s focus and scope

  • The submission meets academic writing standards

  • The manuscript is free from plagiarism (similarity check)

  • The formatting and structure comply with the journal’s author guidelines

Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria may be desk-rejected or returned to the authors for correction before entering the peer-review process.

2. Double-Blind Peer Review

KKJPHCM adopts a double-blind peer review system, where:

  • The identities of both authors and reviewers remain confidential

  • Manuscripts are evaluated objectively based on scientific merit

  • Each manuscript is reviewed by at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant field

3. Review Evaluation Criteria

Reviewers assess manuscripts based on:

  • Originality and novelty of the study

  • Relevance to public health and community medicine

  • Methodological rigor and scientific validity

  • Clarity of analysis and interpretation

  • Contribution to healthcare knowledge, policy, or practice

  • Quality of writing, structure, and presentation

4. Reviewers’ Recommendations

Based on their evaluation, reviewers may recommend:

  • Accept without revision

  • Minor revisions required

  • Major revisions required

  • Reject

Reviewers also provide detailed comments and constructive feedback to improve the quality of the manuscript.

5. Author Revision

Authors are required to revise their manuscripts based on reviewer comments and submit:

  • A revised manuscript

  • A response-to-reviewers document explaining how each comment has been addressed

Revised manuscripts may be sent back to reviewers for further assessment when necessary.

6. Final Decision

The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision based on:

  • Reviewers’ recommendations

  • The quality of revisions

  • The overall scientific contribution to the field

The final decision may be: acceptance, further revision, or rejection.

7. Publication

Accepted manuscripts proceed to:

  • Copyediting and proofreading

  • Layout editing and formatting

  • Final publication in the journal issue

8. Review Timeline

KKJPHCM is committed to an efficient and timely review process:

  • Initial screening: 3–7 days

  • Peer review process: 2–4 weeks

  • Final decision: 4–6 weeks after submission

9. Ethical Standards

KKJPHCM strictly adheres to publication ethics by ensuring:

  • Confidentiality of submitted manuscripts

  • Objectivity and fairness in the review process

  • Avoidance of conflicts of interest

  • Zero tolerance for plagiarism, data fabrication, and unethical research practices