Author Guidelines

DUHOK MEDICAL JOURNAL — Instructions for Authors

General Guidelines

Manuscripts submitted to Duhok Medical Journal (DMJ) must be written in clear, correct English and prepared according to the following specifications:

• Word limit:
• Original articles: ≤ 4000 words
• Case reports: ≤ 2000 words
• Format:
• Double spaced
• Font size 12 pt, Times New Roman or similar
• A4 paper size with 1-inch margins on all sides
• Single-column layout
• Each major section should begin on a new page

Manuscripts that do not follow these guidelines may be returned without review.

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1. Title Page

The title page must contain:

• Manuscript title (font size 12 pt)
• Full names of all authors
• Academic degrees and scientific/academic titles (if available)
• Institutional affiliations
• Complete contact information (postal address, phone, email)
• Corresponding author details, including full name, scientific title, institution, email, and telephone number.

2. Abstract

A structured abstract of no more than 250 words is required. It must include:

• Background and Objectives
• Methods
• Results
• Conclusions

At the end of the abstract, provide 3–10 keywords, printed in bold, 12 pt font.

3. Main Text (IMRAD Structure)

3.1 Introduction

Provide background information, current knowledge gaps, and the aim of the study.

3.2 Methods

Describe:

• Study design and setting
• Participants and sampling
• Data collection methods
• Statistical analysis
• Ethical approval details, including committee name and approval number

3.3 Results: Present findings clearly, without interpretation.
The total number of tables and figures combined should not exceed six (6).

3.4 Discussion: Interpret results, compare with national/international studies, address strengths and limitations, and explain implications.

3.5 Conclusion: Provide a concise summary both within the Discussion section and as a separate concluding paragraph.

4. Conflict of Interest

Declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest for all authors.

5. Acknowledgment and Funding

List any individuals or institutions that contributed to the work and disclose all funding sources.
(To appear as a separate section following the Discussion.)

6. References

• Maximum 40 references for original articles (from the last 10 years unless justified).
• Maximum 10 references for case reports.
• Follow Vancouver style strictly.
• Number references consecutively in the order they appear in the text.
• Journal titles must be abbreviated per Index Medicus.
• If citing a reference indirectly, indicate “cited by” followed by the secondary source.
• Provide doi: for all your references, whenever possible.

Examples:

1. Nuwayhid IA, Yamout B, Azar G, Kambris MA. Narghile (hubble bubble) smoking, low birth weight, and other pregnancy outcomes. Am J Epidemiol. 1998;148(4):375-83.
2. Arevalo JA, Nesbitt TS. Medical problems during pregnancy. In: Taylor RB, editor. Family medicine: principles and practice. 6th ed. New York: Springer–Verlag; 2003. p. 109-16.
3. Garfinkel PE, Lin E, Goering P. Should amenorrhoea be necessary for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa? Br J Psych [Internet]. 1996 [cited 1999 Aug 17];168(4):500-6.

7. Tables

• Each table should be inserted in its appropriate position within the main text.
• Number tables consecutively in the order cited in the text.
• Provide a clear title above each table.
• Explanatory notes should appear as footnotes.
• Avoid duplication with the text.
• Present numbers with percentages in parentheses.

8. Illustrations (Figures)

• Figures include graphs, charts, line drawings, photographs, X-rays, and other images.
• Only high-quality images suitable for reproduction are accepted.
• Number figures consecutively in the order cited.
• Provide a brief descriptive title beneath each figure.
• Graphs must:
• Have a white background
• Be in color
• Be two-dimensional (not 3D)
• Include labeled X and Y axes

9. Kurdish and Arabic Abstracts

Kurdish Structured Abstract

Includes title and the following sections:
پێشەکی، ئارمانج، رێکێن ڤەکۆلینێ، ئەنجام، دەرئەنجام

Arabic Structured Abstract

Includes title and the following sections:
خلفية وأهداف البحث، طرق البحث، النتائج، الاستنتاجات

Both abstracts must reflect the English abstract accurately.

10. Units, Symbols, and Abbreviations

• Use metric units for length, height, weight, and volume.
• Report temperature in °C and blood pressure in mmHg.
• Use SI units for hematologic and clinical chemistry data.
• Define all abbreviations at first use and avoid abbreviations in titles or abstracts.

11. Authorship and Submission Forms

A signed Authorship and Consent Form (Form No.1) must accompany all submissions and must confirm that:

• The manuscript is original and not under review elsewhere.
• Authors have substantially contributed to the study.
• All authors approve the final manuscript.
• Competing interests and funding sources are declared.

12. Plagiarism and Similarity Policy

All submissions will undergo plagiarism screening.
The acceptable similarity index is ≤ 20%, excluding references and standard methodological expressions.
Submissions exceeding this limit will be returned or rejected.

13. AI Use and Disclosure Policy

Authors must disclose any use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in:

• Writing or editing text
• Statistical analysis
• Figure or image creation
• Data processing or coding

AI tools cannot be listed as authors, and authors bear full responsibility for verifying the accuracy and originality of all AI-assisted content.

14. Ethical Considerations

For studies involving human subjects, investigators must follow ethical standards consistent with institutional and international guidelines. Ethical approval details must be reported in the Methods section.

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Submission Information

Postal address: Nakhoshkhana Road 9, 1014, AM, Duhok, Iraq
Telephone: +964-62-7224268 EXT 115
Email: [email protected]
Electronic submissions are welcome.

Template download: Click here

Important Notes

• The Editorial Board may edit accepted manuscripts to conform to journal style.
• DMJ is not responsible for statements made by authors in published articles.