Ethical Considerations In Instructions To Authors Of Some Journals Published In Cameroon.

Abstract

Background/Aim With increased public awareness on research ethics in Cameroon and the world over, the role of editors and publishers of scientific journals in promoting good ethical practices in scientific research cannot be minimized. This study had as objective to check if the “instructions to authors” of journals published in Cameroon, reflect the rising need for the maintenance of high ethical standards in the conduct and reporting of scientific research. Method The “instruction to authors” of nine journals published in Cameroon were reviewed for ethical  considerations. The “instructions to authors” of these journals were then compared to some journals published out of Cameroon. Results 11.11% of the journals will not publish articles that were being considered for publication elsewhere. 22.22% required that a statement be made, if ethical clearance had been obtained. 11.11% of the journals required that studies involving humans be conducted according to an international guideline. 22.22% of the journals stated the need for the corresponding author to sign a document certifying that ethical considerations were respected. 22.22% of the journals stated the need for the submitting authors to approve of the paper being submitted. 22.22% of the journals had as a requirement, the declaration of conflict of interest. Conclusions This study reveals that editors/publishers of journals published in Cameroon are interested in maintaining hig ethical standards in their journals, however there is a need for editors and publishers to introduce or revise the “ethics section” in their instructions to authors, to meet up with international standards.

Keywords: ‘Instruction to authors”, journals, Cameroon, ethics 76