Hasanuddin Journal of Public Health (HJPH) is committed to maintaining research integrity and publication ethics in accordance with the principles and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). All allegations of research or publication misconduct are treated seriously and handled fairly, objectively, and confidentially, as appropriate.

Research and publication misconduct may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Data Fabrication and Falsification: Inventing, manipulating, or misrepresenting research data, results, or findings.

• Inappropriate Image Manipulation: Altering or manipulating images in a way that misrepresents or distorts research findings.

• Plagiarism: Using another person's work, ideas, or words without proper acknowledgment or citation.

• Duplicate Publication: Publishing substantially similar research findings in more than one publication without appropriate justification or disclosure.

• Salami Slicing: Inappropriately dividing the findings of a single research project into multiple publications to increase publication output.

• Citation Manipulation: Inappropriately adding, requesting, or exchanging citations to influence citation metrics or misrepresent the scholarly relevance of a publication.

• Improper Authorship Practices: Misrepresenting authorship contributions, including gift, guest, or ghost authorship, or omitting individuals who meet the criteria for authorship.

Handling Allegations of Research Misconduct

HJPH follows a systematic procedure for addressing allegations of research or publication misconduct. The process begins with an initial assessment of the allegation, followed by communication with the authors concerned to seek clarification and obtain their response.

When necessary, further investigation may be conducted in collaboration with the authors' affiliated institutions or other relevant parties. Based on the available evidence and investigation findings, the editorial team evaluates the case and determines the appropriate course of action in accordance with COPE guidelines and the journal's publication ethics policies.

Where misconduct is confirmed, HJPH takes appropriate corrective or editorial measures, which may include manuscript rejection, publication of a correction or retraction, or other actions deemed necessary. Relevant notices or statements are published when appropriate to maintain transparency and safeguard the integrity of the scholarly record.