The word count excludes the title page, abstract, tables, acknowledgements and contributions and the references.

Also see detailed instructions for online submission and formatting your manuscript.

Original articles published as Research Reports and Short Reports should follow the IMRaD style (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion) and should have a structured abstract (up to 250 words long). For Research Reports the text should be up to 3000 words long, and the text in Short Reports should not exceed 1000 words.

All research on human subjects must have been approved by the appropriate ethics committee and must have conformed to the principles embodied in the Declaration of Helsinki (see Ethics Approval for more guidelines). An appropriate statement to this effect must be included in the methods section of the paper.

We encourage authors to write the discussion sections of original research papers in a structured way. For more information, see "The case for structuring the discussion of scientific papers", BMJ 1999;318:1224-1225 ( 8 May )

Original papers should include a "What this paper adds" box. Please produce such a box offering a thumbnail sketch of what your paper adds to the literature, for readers who would like an overview without reading the whole paper. It should be divided into two short paragraphs.

Paragraph 1: What is already known on this subject?
In two or three sentences explain what the state of scientific knowledge was in this area before you did your study and why this study needed to be done. Be clear and specific.

Paragraph 2: What does this study add?
Give a simple answer to the question "What do we now know as a result of this study that we did not know before?". Be brief, succinct, specific, and accurate. You might use the last sentence to summarise any implications for practice, research, policy, or public health.

View special guidelines regarding:

1. Statistical methods
2. Manuscripts on qualitative research and economic evaluations
3. Educational interventions evaluations.

Short reports
Word count: up to 1000 words.
Abstract: maximum of 200 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 1.
References: 50.

The journal publishes articles reviewing updated knowledge on relevant issues for public health research and practice.

Word count: up to 4000 words.
Structured abstract: maximum of 175 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 5.
References: no limit.

Editorials are usually commissioned, but we are happy to consider and peer review unsolicited editorials.

Word count: up to 800 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 1.
References: up to 12 references.

For a full description of the aims and contents of the Glossaries in the journal, see: "A call for glossaries in public health" (J Epidemiol Community Health 2000;54:561).

Word count: up to 3000 words.
Abstract: should not exceed 150 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 5.
References: 50.

Debate articles (whether single articles or part of a series) are mostly commissioned, but we welcome reports on all aspects of public health research, practice and policy.

Word count: up to 1500 words.
Abstract: up to 150 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 1.
References: 12.

For a full description of the aims and contents of the Gallery, see "The JECH Gallery: a call for public health photographs" (J Epidemiol Community Health 2000;54:801.

Videos and audio files are also welcomed in this section.

Please note that we will require you to provide written consent from all individuals that appear in Gallery articles, unless they have volunteered to be featured.

Word count: up to 200 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 1.
References: 5.

The journal is particularly interested to receive reports of novel methods of practical value in public health research and practice. Submissions should aim to bring out clearly what the messages are from the methodological issues under consideration.

Word count: up to 3000 words.
Abstract: up to 250 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 5.
References: 50.

The Editors believe that we should be publishing more work from the field and the frontline. The laboratory for public health is to be found largely in the community itself. We need to learn the lessons from practitioners. The late Professor Geoffrey Rose spoke of the need for a clean mind and dirty hands. We want contributions from those with dirty hands, but they need to make sense to those with clean minds. Wherever possible, contributors should identify, either in box form or through bullet points, the implications for policy and practice.

Word count: up to 3000 words.
Abstract: up to 250 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 5.
References: 50.

The journal has recently instituted this new series under the editorship of Virginia Berridge.
It aims to bring the insights of historical research to bear on current public health issues. Submitted papers are welcome - for further details please see the following Editorial:

Virginia Berridge and Martin Gorsky. http://jech.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/58/9/728 J Epidemiol. Community Health 2004;58: 728-729 doi:10.1136/jech.2003.019141

Word count: up to 3000 words.
Abstract: maximum of 250 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 5.
References: 50.

Speakers' Corner is an opportunity for readers to get things off their chests. We welcome provocative, out-spoken and stimulating contributions - preferably rooted in reality. For more information see "More opportunities for your opinions: The JECH speaker's corner" (J Epidemiol Community Health 2001;55:217).

Word count: up to 400 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 0.
References: 5.

Letters to the Editor publishing original research should be under 400 words, and can include up to five references including one to the JECH article to which they relate.

Comments arising from recent articles published in JECH are welcome and should be submitted electronically via the website. Authors should go to the abstract or full text of the article in question. At the top right corner of each article is a "contents box". Click on the "eLetters: Submit a response to this article" link. Some letters in response to an article may be published in the print version of the journal.

Word count: up to 400 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 1.
References: 5.

Obituaries are usually commissioned, but we are happy to consider and peer review unsolicited obituaries. We also welcome good quality photographs for this section.

Word count: up to 250 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 1.
References: 0.

Story-telling is one of the most powerful ways of communicating experience and motivating people to change practice. If you have an aphorism or a story which deserves wider broadcasting, the Editors would be delighted to receive it. Keep it short and pithy (up to 200 words), and try not to cover too many points at once.

Word count: up to 200 words.
Tables/Illustrations: 1.
References: up to 5.

The BMJ Publishing Group journals are willing to consider publishing supplements to regular issues. Supplement proposals may be made at the request of:

1. The journal editor, an editorial board member or a learned society may wish to organise a meeting, sponsorship may be sought and the proceedings published as a supplement.
2. The journal editor, editorial board member or learned society may wish to commission a supplement on a particular theme or topic. Again, sponsorship may be sought.
3. The BMJPG itself may have proposals for supplements where sponsorship may be necessary.
4. A sponsoring organisation, often a pharmaceutical company or a charitable foundation, that wishes to arrange a meeting, the proceedings of which will be published as a supplement.

For further information on criteria that must be fulfilled, download the supplements guidelines (PDF).