Article Types

For Authors

The Journal of Rural and Tropical Nursing (JRTN) publishes diverse forms of nursing and healthcare scholarship relevant to rural, tropical, remote, underserved, and resource-limited settings. Authors should select the article type that most accurately reflects the purpose, design, and contribution of their manuscript.

Submit a Manuscript Review Aims and Scope Download Article Template

Select an Article Type ✅

Use the links below to review the word limit, abstract format, required structure, and reporting standard for each submission category.

Article Type Requirements at a Glance

The following limits provide a concise overview. Article-specific requirements are explained in detail below.

Article Type Main Text Abstract Tables and Figures References
Original Research Article 5,000 words 300 words ≤ 6 combined ≤ 50
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis 7,000 words 300 words ≤ 8 combined ≤ 100
Scoping Review and Evidence Synthesis 6,000 words 300 words ≤ 8 combined ≤ 80
Study Protocol 5,000 words 300 words ≤ 6 combined ≤ 60
Instrument Development and Validation Study 5,000 words 300 words ≤ 6 combined ≤ 60
Case Report 3,000 words 250 words ≤ 5 combined ≤ 35
Quality Improvement and Implementation Report 4,500 words 300 words ≤ 6 combined ≤ 50
Short Communication 2,500 words 250 words ≤ 4 combined ≤ 30
Perspective, Policy, Practice, or Education Article 3,000 words 200 words ≤ 4 combined ≤ 40
Commentary 2,000 words 150 words ≤ 2 combined ≤ 25
Letter to the Editor 1,000 words Not required ≤ 1 ≤ 10

Detailed Article Type Requirements

Authors should follow both the structure stated below and the most appropriate EQUATOR Network reporting guideline.

Article Type 01

Original Research Article

Reports complete and original empirical research that makes a clear contribution to nursing, healthcare practice, education, policy, management, technology, or community health in contexts relevant to JRTN.

5,000 Maximum words
Abstract Structured, maximum 300 words
Keywords 3–6 keywords
Tables and Figures Maximum 6 combined
References Maximum 50
Main Structure
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Declarations
  • References
Abstract Structure
  • Background
  • Objective
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Conclusion

Reporting guidelines: use CONSORT for randomized trials, STROBE for observational studies, COREQ or SRQR for qualitative research, and the appropriate guideline for other study designs.

Article Type 02

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Presents a systematic and reproducible synthesis of existing evidence, with or without quantitative meta-analysis, addressing a clearly defined nursing or healthcare question.

7,000 Maximum words
Abstract Structured, maximum 300 words
Keywords 3–6 keywords
Tables and Figures Maximum 8 combined
References Maximum 100
Main Structure
  • Introduction
  • Methods: protocol, eligibility criteria, information sources, search strategy, selection, appraisal, and synthesis
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Declarations
  • References
Abstract Structure
  • Background
  • Objective
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Conclusion
  • Registration, where applicable

Reporting guideline: PRISMA. Include a complete search strategy, study-selection flow diagram, critical appraisal, and protocol registration information where available.

Article Type 03

Scoping Review and Evidence Synthesis

Maps the extent, characteristics, concepts, knowledge gaps, or methodological features of evidence in an emerging or broadly defined field.

6,000 Maximum words
Abstract Structured, maximum 300 words
Keywords 3–6 keywords
Tables and Figures Maximum 8 combined
References Maximum 80
Main Structure
  • Introduction
  • Review Questions or Objectives
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Declarations and References
Abstract Structure
  • Background
  • Objective
  • Eligibility Criteria
  • Sources of Evidence
  • Charting Methods
  • Results and Conclusion

Reporting guideline: PRISMA-ScR for scoping reviews. Other evidence-synthesis methods must use the reporting guideline appropriate to the review design.

Article Type 04

Study Protocol

Describes the rationale and planned methodology of a study before completion of data collection or before outcome analysis has begun.

5,000 Maximum words
Abstract Structured, maximum 300 words
Keywords 3–6 keywords
Tables and Figures Maximum 6 combined
References Maximum 60
Main Structure
  • Introduction
  • Objectives or Hypotheses
  • Methods and Analysis
  • Ethics and Dissemination
  • Study Status
  • Declarations and References
Abstract Structure
  • Background
  • Objective
  • Methods and Analysis
  • Ethics and Dissemination
  • Registration

Reporting guideline: SPIRIT for randomized trial protocols and PRISMA-P for systematic-review protocols. Prospective registration is required where applicable.

Article Type 05

Instrument Development and Validation Study

Reports the development, adaptation, translation, cultural validation, psychometric evaluation, or clinical measurement performance of an instrument.

5,000 Maximum words
Abstract Structured, maximum 300 words
Keywords 3–6 keywords
Tables and Figures Maximum 6 combined
References Maximum 60
Main Structure
  • Introduction
  • Methods: conceptual framework, item development or adaptation, participants, procedures, and statistical analysis
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Declarations and References
Abstract Structure
  • Background
  • Objective
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Conclusion

Reporting guidance: COSMIN guidance is recommended for studies evaluating measurement properties. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation procedures must be described transparently.

Article Type 06

Clinical or Community Case Report

Presents an educationally valuable clinical, nursing, family, community, or service-delivery case with a clear contextual contribution.

3,000 Maximum words
Abstract Structured, maximum 250 words
Keywords 3–5 keywords
Tables and Figures Maximum 5 combined
References Maximum 35
Main Structure
  • Introduction
  • Case Information
  • Assessment and Timeline
  • Nursing or Healthcare Intervention
  • Outcomes and Follow-up
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion or Learning Points
Abstract Structure
  • Background
  • Case Presentation
  • Intervention and Outcomes
  • Conclusion

Reporting guideline: CARE. Written consent for publication is required for identifiable cases, images, or personal clinical details.

Article Type 07

Quality Improvement and Implementation Report

Reports a systematically planned initiative intended to improve nursing practice, healthcare delivery, implementation, safety, quality, access, or service outcomes.

4,500 Maximum words
Abstract Structured, maximum 300 words
Keywords 3–6 keywords
Tables and Figures Maximum 6 combined
References Maximum 50
Main Structure
  • Local Problem
  • Available Knowledge
  • Rationale and Aim
  • Context
  • Intervention
  • Measures and Analysis
  • Results
  • Discussion and Sustainability
  • Conclusion
Abstract Structure
  • Background or Local Problem
  • Aim
  • Intervention
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Conclusion

Reporting guideline: SQUIRE for quality-improvement work. Implementation studies should use an appropriate implementation-science reporting guideline and describe contextual determinants clearly.

Article Type 08

Short Communication

Provides a concise report of a focused original study, preliminary finding, methodological innovation, or time-sensitive contribution that does not require a full-length research article.

2,500 Maximum words
Abstract Structured, maximum 250 words
Keywords 3–5 keywords
Tables and Figures Maximum 4 combined
References Maximum 30
Main Structure
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Declarations and References
Abstract Structure
  • Background
  • Objective
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Conclusion

Reporting guideline: the same reporting standard applicable to the underlying study design remains required despite the shorter format.

Article Type 09

Perspective, Policy, Practice, or Education Article

Presents an evidence-informed argument, conceptual analysis, policy position, educational innovation, or practice perspective relevant to JRTN readers.

3,000 Maximum words
Abstract Unstructured, maximum 200 words
Keywords 3–5 keywords
Tables and Figures Maximum 4 combined
References Maximum 40
Suggested Structure
  • Introduction and Context
  • Problem or Central Argument
  • Evidence and Critical Discussion
  • Implications: practice, policy, education, management, or research
  • Recommendations
  • Conclusion
Editorial Expectations
  • Clear and original central argument
  • Balanced use of relevant evidence
  • Strong contextual relevance to JRTN
  • Actionable implications or recommendations
  • Transparent declaration of author position

Reporting expectation: formal EQUATOR checklists may not apply, but authors must use transparent, evidence-informed reasoning and clearly distinguish evidence from opinion.

Article Type 10

Commentary

Provides a concise scholarly interpretation, critique, or response concerning an important development, policy, published article, or emerging issue.

2,000 Maximum words
Abstract Unstructured, maximum 150 words
Keywords 3–5 keywords
Tables and Figures Maximum 2 combined
References Maximum 25
Suggested Structure
  • Issue or Context
  • Central Position
  • Supporting Analysis
  • Implications
  • Conclusion
Editorial Expectations
  • Timely and relevant topic
  • Concise and defensible argument
  • Evidence-based interpretation
  • Respectful scholarly criticism
  • No unsupported promotional claims

Editorial note: commentaries may be submitted independently or commissioned by the editorial team. Acceptance remains subject to editorial assessment.

Article Type 11

Letter to the Editor

Offers a focused scholarly response to an article published in JRTN or raises a concise issue of direct relevance to the journal's readership.

1,000 Maximum words
Abstract Not required
Keywords Not required
Tables and Figures Maximum 1
References Maximum 10
Suggested Structure
  • Opening statement identifying the issue
  • Concise evidence-based discussion
  • Clear conclusion or recommendation
  • Conflict-of-interest declaration
  • References
Special Requirements
  • A letter responding to a published article should normally be submitted promptly.
  • Personal criticism or unsupported allegations are not acceptable.
  • The authors of the original article may be invited to respond.

Editorial note: letters are assessed primarily by the editors and may be sent for external review when appropriate.

Unsure which article type to select?

Choose the category that most accurately reflects the manuscript's objective and study design. The editorial team may recommend reclassification during technical screening when another category is more appropriate.

Contact the Editor Start Submission