The Malaysian Journal of Community Health (JKM) welcomes articles of interest on all aspects of public health medicine in the form of original papers, research communications and epidemic reports. Articles are accepted for publication on condition that they are contributed solely to the JKM. Neither the Editorial Board nor the Publishers accept responsibility for the views and statements of authors expressed in their contributions.

Manuscripts: All manuscripts should be submitted in triplicate to:

Manuscripts should be typed on one side of A4 paper and double-spaced throughout (including tables, legends and references). The first page should state the title of the paper, write appropriate name(s) of the author(s), degrees and the name and address of the author for correspondence. Abstract, introduction, methods, results and discussion (IMRAD) should follow. Papers may be submitted in Bahasa Melayu but must be accompanied by an abstract in English.

Abstract: A summary of not more than 250 words should be provided in the second page. Below the abstract, provide 3 to 10 key words that will assist indexers in cross-indexing the article.

Introduction: State the purpose of the article, the rationale for the study or observation and the general objectives. Do not review the subject extensively.

Materials and Methods: Describe your selection of the observational or experimental subjects. Identify the methods, tools and apparatus (manufacturer’s name and address) and procedures in sufficient detail to allow other researchers to repeat the study. Identify all drugs and chemicals used including generic name(s), dosage(s) and route(s) of administration. Statistical tests used should be given in sufficient detail and the use of any computer software should also be mentioned. For studies with ethical consideration such as clinical trials, studies done among minorities etc. the statement of approval from relevant ethical committee has to be mentioned as set out by the Helsinki Declaration.

Results: Present your results in logical sequence. If necessary, use appropriate tables or illustrations. Check the readability and accuracy of the statistical tests calculation.

Discussion: Emphasise the new and important aspects of the study. Discuss the implications of the findings, their limitations and relate the observations to other relevant studies.

Conclusion: Relate the conclusions with the objectives of the study but avoid conclusions not supported by the data.

Acknowledgement: Acknowledge grant awarded in aid of the study (state the number of the grant, name and location of the institution or organisation), as well as persons who have contributed significantly to the study.

References: Use the form of reference adopted by the US National Library of Medicine and used in the Index Medicus. The citation is done by using the superscript Arabic numeral at the end of sentence¹. Try to avoid using abstracts as references. Unpublished observation, in press, accepted for publication and personal communication may not be used as references. List all authors when six or less; when seven or more list only first three and add et al.

1. Ministry of Health. Annual Report 1999.

Tables and illustrations: Arabic numerals should be used when numbering tables, illustrations and diagrams. Illustrations and tables should be kept to a minimum. All tables, illustrations and diagrams should be fully labelled and self-explanatory. All measurements should be reported using the metric system. Each table should be typed on a separated sheet of paper, double-spaced and numbered consecutively. Omit internal horizontal and vertical rules. The contents of all tables should be carefully checked to ensure that all total and subtotal tally. Illustrations and diagrams should be referred to as "Figures" and numbered consecutively. Their approximate position in the text should be indicated. Legends and captions should be typed on separate sheets and numbered correspondingly. Illustrations and diagrams are reproduced in black and white only.

Abbreviations: Use only standard abbreviations. The full term for which an abbreviation stands should precede its first use in the text, unless it is a standard unit of measurement.

Copy of journal: A copy of the journal will be supplied free of charge to all authors.