SAMJ SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL

Scope & Guideline

Empowering healthcare professionals with open access to vital research.

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of SAMJ SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0256-9574
PublisherSA MEDICAL ASSOC
Support Open AccessYes
CountrySouth Africa
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1945 to 2024
AbbreviationSAMJ S AFR MED J / SAMJ S. Afr. Med. J.
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressBLOCK F CASTLE WALK CORPORATE PARK, NOSSOB STREET, ERASMUSKLOOF EXT3, PRETORIA 0002, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The South African Medical Journal (SAMJ) is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare practices in South Africa and the broader African context. It emphasizes research that addresses local health challenges, promotes health equity, and enhances healthcare delivery systems.
  1. Public Health and Epidemiology:
    The journal focuses on public health issues, epidemiological studies, and health policy analyses to inform and improve health systems and practices in South Africa.
  2. Clinical Research and Medical Innovations:
    SAMJ publishes clinical research that explores innovative treatments, medical practices, and healthcare interventions specific to the South African context.
  3. Health Systems Strengthening:
    The journal emphasizes research that evaluates and proposes improvements to the South African health system, including governance, management, and healthcare delivery mechanisms.
  4. Chronic and Infectious Diseases:
    Research on chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and tuberculosis, as well as emerging infectious diseases, is a consistent focus, reflecting the health priorities of the region.
  5. Health Education and Community Engagement:
    The journal promotes studies that investigate health education initiatives and community engagement strategies to enhance health literacy and public health outcomes.
The SAMJ is increasingly focusing on emerging health challenges and innovative solutions in response to the evolving healthcare landscape in South Africa and beyond. Several themes have gained traction in recent years, indicating a shift in research emphasis.
  1. COVID-19 Impact and Response:
    Research related to COVID-19, including its epidemiological impact, healthcare responses, and long-term consequences (Long-COVID), has surged, reflecting the pandemic's profound influence on health systems.
  2. Mental Health Awareness and Interventions:
    There is a growing body of research addressing mental health issues, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, highlighting the importance of mental health in public health discussions.
  3. Telemedicine and Digital Health Solutions:
    The rise of telemedicine and digital health technologies has prompted an increase in studies focusing on their effectiveness and implementation, especially during the pandemic.
  4. Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health:
    Research emphasizing health equity, social determinants of health, and community health disparities is gaining prominence, reflecting a broader understanding of health beyond just clinical interventions.
  5. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research:
    The SAMJ is witnessing an uptick in research addressing antimicrobial resistance, particularly in the context of infectious diseases, which is critical for public health in South Africa.

Declining or Waning

While the SAMJ has maintained a robust focus on various health issues, some themes appear to be losing prominence in recent publications. These declining areas may reflect shifts in research priorities or changes in healthcare challenges faced in the region.
  1. Traditional Medicinal Practices:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in studies related to traditional medicine and its integration into modern healthcare practices, possibly overshadowed by more pressing contemporary health issues.
  2. Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Research:
    While still relevant, the volume of research specifically addressing non-communicable diseases, apart from HIV and tuberculosis, seems to be waning as infectious disease research continues to dominate.
  3. Medical Ethics Discussions:
    The frequency of publications focused on medical ethics, particularly in the context of clinical practices, appears to be declining, perhaps due to a shift towards more empirical health research.
  4. Medical History and Obituaries:
    The number of articles dedicated to historical perspectives or obituaries of notable figures in medicine has decreased, suggesting a shift towards more forward-looking research.
  5. Environmental Health Studies:
    Research on environmental health issues, including pollution and its health impacts, has seen reduced representation, possibly as focus shifts to direct health interventions.

Similar Journals

JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Advancing medical knowledge since 1883.
Publisher: AMER MEDICAL ASSOCISSN: 0098-7484Frequency: 48 issues/year

JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association, published by the American Medical Association, stands as a leading voice in the field of medicine, with an impressive impact factor that reflects its status as a pivotal resource for health professionals. Established in 1883, JAMA has consistently evolved to meet the changing landscape of medical research and practice, converging its insights into the realm of general medicine through to 2024. As a Q1 journal in the Medicine (miscellaneous) category, JAMA ranks notably at #6 out of 636 in Scopus, placing it within the 99th percentile of its field. Although it does not currently offer open access options, JAMA remains a critical platform for disseminating groundbreaking research and clinical studies, facilitating engagement among researchers, healthcare professionals, and students alike. Its commitment to advancing health knowledge makes it an indispensable asset for anyone dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in medical science.

SINGAPORE MEDICAL JOURNAL

Exploring the forefront of medical research and practice.
Publisher: WOLTERS KLUWER MEDKNOW PUBLICATIONSISSN: 0037-5675Frequency: 12 issues/year

The SINGAPORE MEDICAL JOURNAL, published by Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, stands as a prominent platform dedicated to advancing the field of general medicine. With an established history dating back to 1960, this esteemed journal has been at the forefront of medical research, fostering innovation and the dissemination of knowledge within a diverse medical community. It is currently ranked in the Q3 category for medicine (miscellaneous), with a commendable 75th percentile ranking in Scopus among its peers. The journal features a broad range of research, clinical trials, and reviews, serving as an essential resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and students eager to stay abreast of the latest developments in medicine. Although it does not currently offer open access, its commitment to high-quality scholarship and rigorous peer-review processes solidifies its role as a vital academic resource. With an ISSN of 0037-5675 and an E-ISSN of 2737-5935, the SINGAPORE MEDICAL JOURNAL is dedicated to enhancing the scientific dialogue within the global healthcare landscape.

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association

Connecting Researchers to the Future of Healthcare
Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINSISSN: 1726-4901Frequency: 12 issues/year

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, published by LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, is a prominent peer-reviewed journal in the field of general medicine, specifically focused on advancements and research within the Chinese medical community. Established in 2003 and with a scope that spans diverse medical disciplines, this journal has positioned itself as a key resource for medical professionals, researchers, and academics interested in both clinical practices and health policy in Taiwan and the broader context of Asian medicine. With an impressive Scopus ranking of 69 out of 636 in the general medicine category and a notable percentile rank of 89th, the journal is recognized for its contributions to medical science. Although it does not currently provide open access options, it continues to maintain a robust presence through its high-quality publications and rigorous peer-review process aimed at fostering innovation and sharing critical insights across the medical field. Researchers and students alike will find this journal an invaluable platform for disseminating their findings and engaging with current medical discourse.

Pan African Medical Journal

Pioneering research for a healthier future in Africa.
Publisher: AFRICAN FIELD EPIDEMIOLOGY NETWORK-AFENETISSN: Frequency:

Pan African Medical Journal, published by the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), is a pivotal open access journal dedicated to advancing the fields of general medicine and public health in Africa and beyond. Since its inception in 2008, this journal has served as a vital resource for disseminating high-quality research articles, reviews, and case studies that address critical health issues across the continent. With an admirable Q3 category ranking in 2023 and a commendable Scopus ranking in the 59th percentile among general medicine journals, it plays an essential role in promoting scientific discourse and innovation within the medical community. The journal's expansive scope encourages contributions that offer diverse perspectives on medicine, epidemiology, and public health challenges unique to the African context. Operating out of Nigeria, the journal invites researchers, professionals, and students to engage with its content and contribute to a growing body of knowledge that drives progress in health outcomes across the region.

CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL

Connecting research with real-world healthcare solutions.
Publisher: CMA-CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCISSN: 0820-3946Frequency: 50 issues/year

Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), ISSN: 0820-3946, E-ISSN: 1488-2329, is a premier open-access medical journal published by the CMA-Canadian Medical Association. Established in 1945, CMAJ has been a leading platform for transformative research and discourse in the field of medicine, with open access since 2000 ensuring that vital scientific knowledge is readily available to all. With an impressive impact factor and ranked in the Q1 category of Medicine (miscellaneous) for 2023, it boasts a commendable Scopus rank of 48/636, placing it in the top 8% of its field. This journal serves as a crucial resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and students seeking to stay informed on the latest developments, best practices, and emerging trends in medicine. The CMAJ continues to uphold the highest standards of scholarship while addressing pertinent healthcare issues pertinent to both Canadian and global contexts. With its commitment to advancing medical knowledge, CMAJ plays a significant role in shaping healthcare practices and policies.

JOURNAL OF THE PAKISTAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Innovating healthcare through rigorous academic discourse.
Publisher: PAKISTAN MEDICAL ASSOCISSN: 0030-9982Frequency: 12 issues/year

JOURNAL OF THE PAKISTAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (JPMA), published by the Pakistan Medical Association, serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of peer-reviewed research in the field of general medicine. Established in 1966, this journal has grown to cater to a diverse audience of healthcare professionals, researchers, and students, delivering crucial insights into the evolving landscape of medical science in Pakistan and beyond. With an ISSN of 0030-9982, JPMA aims to bridge knowledge gaps by publishing high-quality original articles, reviews, and case studies, fostering academic excellence and enhancing clinical practice. While the journal currently holds a Q4 category in Medicine (miscellaneous), it ranks #331 out of 636 in the Scopus database, placing it within the 48th percentile among its peers. The journal's critical role in shaping medical discourse ensures it remains an essential resource for advancing healthcare standards and improving patient outcomes.

Bahrain Medical Bulletin

Bridging Gaps in Medical Literature and Practice
Publisher: BAHRAIN MEDICAL BULLETINISSN: 1012-8298Frequency: 3 issues/year

Bahrain Medical Bulletin is a vital platform in the field of medical research, dedicated to enhancing the knowledge base and practice of healthcare in Bahrain and beyond. Published by the BAHRAIN MEDICAL BULLETIN, this journal has consistently provided valuable insights since its inception in 1990 and continues to be a significant contributor to the medical literature up to 2024. Although classified in the Q4 quartile in the category of Medicine (miscellaneous) and holding a Scopus rank of 435 out of 636, the journal aims to promote a wide array of medical and health-related disciplines, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. While currently not an open-access journal, it strives to facilitate the dissemination of relevant studies and clinical findings that address regional and global health challenges. The Bahrain Medical Bulletin serves as a critical hub for fostering collaboration and innovation in medical research within the Kingdom of Bahrain and the surrounding regions.

Dubai Medical Journal

Connecting Researchers to Transform Patient Care.
Publisher: KARGERISSN: Frequency: 4 issues/year

Dubai Medical Journal, published by KARGER, is a prominent open-access journal dedicated to advancing the field of general medicine, with a keen focus on the diverse healthcare needs of the Middle Eastern region and beyond. Since its inception in 2018, the journal has provided a dynamic platform for researchers and healthcare professionals to share innovative studies and clinical insights, contributing to its recognition in the Scopus rankings, where it holds an impressive #235 out of 636, positioning it in the 63rd percentile. With a commitment to fostering global collaboration in medical research, the Dubai Medical Journal disseminates high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that span various aspects of medicine, aiming to bridge gaps in knowledge and enhance patient care. Located in Basel, Switzerland, this journal serves as an essential resource for medical practitioners, researchers, and students eager to stay abreast of contemporary developments in medical science.

Khyber Medical University Journal-KMUJ

Innovating healthcare through rigorous research and dialogue.
Publisher: KHYBER MEDICAL UNIVISSN: 2305-2643Frequency: 4 issues/year

Khyber Medical University Journal-KMUJ, published by KHYBER MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of research in the fields of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Professions, among others. Established as an Open Access journal since 2009, KMUJ enables greater accessibility to cutting-edge research, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the medical community. With its headquarters in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, the journal caters to a diverse audience by offering insights into various aspects of healthcare, emphasizing innovation and evidence-based practices. Despite its current Q4 ranking in multiple categories, KMUJ is dedicated to enhancing its impact through rigorous peer-reviewed content, aiming to elevate research standards within the region. As it converges from 2019 to 2024, KMUJ strives to contribute significantly to emerging topics in pharmacology, toxicology, and public health, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to advancing medical science.

Indian Journal of Medical Specialities

Empowering healthcare professionals with vital insights.
Publisher: WOLTERS KLUWER MEDKNOW PUBLICATIONSISSN: 0976-2884Frequency: 4 issues/year

Indian Journal of Medical Specialities, published by Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, is a key resource in the field of medical research, particularly focusing on the diverse specialities within Indian healthcare. Although its coverage in Scopus was discontinued, the journal continues to publish articles that are vital for understanding the medical landscape in India and beyond. With an ISSN of 0976-2884 and an E-ISSN of 0976-2892, this journal aims to disseminate innovative research findings, case reports, and reviews that cater to healthcare professionals and researchers. The journal is positioned within the General Medicine category and has a Scopus rank of 620/862, indicating a growing recognition among scholars. While it operates under a subscription model rather than as an open access journal, its contributions are invaluable for enhancing medical practices and policies. Engaging with the Indian Journal of Medical Specialities allows readers to stay updated on critical developments and trends shaping the future of medical practice in India.