AI Policy

 

Policy on AI and AI-Assisted Technologies

The International Journal of Community Health Sciences (IJCHS) recognizes the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Large Language Models, and automated data processing scripts) in research and scientific writing. To maintain academic rigor, transparency, and accountability, IJCHS outlines clear rules regarding the ethical use of AI technologies in published works.

No AI Authorship

AI tools and Large Language Models (LLMs) do not meet authorship criteria. They cannot accept responsibility or accountability for submitted manuscripts, legal rights, or scientific integrity.

AI tools must never be listed as an author or co-author on any submission.

Mandatory Disclosure

If AI-assisted technologies were used in data processing, code generation, or draft refinement, authors must explicitly declare this usage in the manuscript's Methods or Acknowledgments section.

Disclosure must specify the tool used, its version, and the purpose of application.

Guidelines for Authors & Reviewers

✓ Acceptable AI Applications for Authors

  • Improving language readability, grammar, spelling, and style.
  • Assisting in coding, statistical processing, or formatting raw dataset scripts under human supervision.

✕ Prohibited AI Applications for Authors

  • Generating fabricated scientific data, medical claims, or synthetic research results.
  • Creating AI-generated images or primary research figures without explicit editorial authorization.
  • Producing fake or hallucinated bibliographic citations.

AI Restrictions for Peer Reviewers

Peer reviewers must not upload submitted manuscripts into generative AI tools. Uploading unpublished manuscripts violates confidentiality, copyright retention, and data protection policies. Review evaluations must be conducted entirely by human experts.

Human Responsibility & Integrity

Authors remain solely responsible and accountable for the accuracy and originality of their entire submission.

Human Accountability First