Appeals and Complaints

Overview

Kafkasya Journal of Health Sciences (KJHS) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and scientific integrity of its published content. Appeals and complaints submitted by authors, reviewers, readers, or other stakeholders are handled in a transparent, fair, and consistent manner. All procedures are conducted in accordance with ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) and COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

Grounds for Appeals and Complaints

Appeals or complaints may relate to:

  • Scientific errors or inaccuracies in published articles
  • Ethical violations (e.g., plagiarism, data fabrication, lack of ethical approval)
  • Unfair practices in peer review or editorial decisions
  • Technical or administrative issues during the publication process

Requests should include a detailed explanation and, where possible, supporting evidence.

Appeals and Complaints Procedure

  1. Submission and Initial Review:
    • All appeals and complaints are initially reviewed by the Editorial Board.
    • The Board evaluates the validity of the request and determines appropriate actions.
  2. Investigation and Evaluation:
    • When necessary, the Editorial Board may consult:
      • Article authors
      • Peer reviewers
      • Independent experts or other Editors-in-Chief
    • Institutional collaboration may be initiated if ethical violations are suspected.
  3. Decision and Communication:
    • Decisions are based on the nature of the issue, adequacy of evidence, and potential impact.
    • The submitter is informed of the outcome and the rationale for the decision.
    • If appropriate, corrections or retractions are applied, and the article is updated in the journal archive.

Submission Instructions

To submit an appeal or complaint, please email:

Editorial Office: editor@kafkasyajournal.com

Please include the following:

  1. Article title, authors, DOI, and publication date (if applicable)
  2. Detailed description of the appeal or complaint
  3. Supporting documentation or evidence
  4. Contact information of the submitter

All submissions are treated confidentially and reviewed promptly.

Transparency and Accountability

Kafkasya Journal of Health Sciences ensures that the appeals and complaints process:

  • Is conducted in a transparent, fair, and ethical manner
  • Follows international standards for decision-making
  • Preserves the scientific record through corrections or retractions when necessary