Plagiarism Policy

JAKESPOL: Journal of Health Policy Analysis is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, originality, and ethical scholarship. The journal strictly prohibits plagiarism in all its forms and applies systematic screening procedures to ensure the authenticity and credibility of submitted manuscripts, particularly in the context of evidence-based health policy analysis.

Plagiarism Screening

All submitted manuscripts are screened using Turnitin or equivalent plagiarism detection software. The screening compares submissions against extensive databases of academic literature, policy documents, web content, and other relevant sources.

JAKESPOL applies a similarity threshold of less than 20% (<20%). Manuscripts with a similarity index exceeding this threshold will be returned to authors for revision prior to further editorial consideration.

Similarity reports are evaluated by the Editorial Team with careful consideration of context, citation practices, and disciplinary standards in health policy research. A similarity score alone does not automatically constitute plagiarism.

Authors’ Responsibilities

By submitting a manuscript to JAKESPOL, authors affirm that:

  • The manuscript is original and has not been previously published or submitted elsewhere

  • All sources, including policy documents, datasets, reports, and scholarly works, are properly cited

  • Any reuse of previously published material is appropriately acknowledged and permitted

  • The manuscript does not contain fabricated, falsified, or misrepresented data or policy analysis

Authors are fully responsible for ensuring ethical writing practices and proper attribution.

Forms of Plagiarism

The journal recognizes, but is not limited to, the following forms of plagiarism:

  • Direct copying of text without proper citation

  • Inadequate paraphrasing or close imitation of existing work without acknowledgment

  • Self-plagiarism, including redundant or duplicate publication without proper disclosure

  • Unauthorized use of policy documents, data, images, tables, figures, or visual materials

  • Misrepresentation or selective use of policy evidence without proper attribution

Editorial Assessment and Actions

If potential plagiarism is detected at any stage, the Editorial Team will conduct a thorough assessment in line with ethical publishing standards and COPE guidelines.

  • Minor similarity issues (≤20%) may result in requests for revision or clarification

  • Manuscripts exceeding 20% similarity will be returned to authors for revision before peer review

  • Substantial or confirmed plagiarism will result in rejection of the manuscript

  • Serious ethical misconduct may trigger further investigation, notification to institutions, or retraction if already published

Editorial decisions are made objectively, considering the extent, intent, and context of the identified similarity.

Appeal Process

Authors have the right to appeal decisions related to plagiarism. Appeals must be submitted in writing, accompanied by a clear justification and supporting evidence. The Editorial Board will review all appeals, and the final decision will be binding.

Policy Review and Updates

This plagiarism policy is regularly reviewed and updated to align with international standards in scholarly publishing and health policy research. Authors are encouraged to consult the latest version prior to submission.

JAKESPOL is dedicated to ensuring that all published work reflects integrity, transparency, and robust evidence to support sound health policy development and analysis.