Every manuscript submitted to the Journal of Public Health and Health Services (JPHHS) undergoes a similarity check as part of the initial screening process before entering peer review. The check is conducted using similarity-detection software selected and used by the journal.

Similarity-checking results are used as one of the editorial considerations and are not automatically regarded as evidence of plagiarism. Editors will assess the sources and context of the identified similarities, including similarities that may result from quotations, reference lists, scientific terminology, research methods, or other academically justifiable sections.

Manuscripts that show indications of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity violations may be:

• returned to the authors for revision;
• rejected during the initial screening stage;
• removed from the publication process; or
• subjected to further investigation in accordance with the severity of the violation and the journal's publication ethics policy.

In cases involving serious allegations of misconduct, JPHHS may conduct further investigation and take appropriate action based on the available evidence and the principles of publication integrity.

Authors are fully responsible for ensuring that submitted manuscripts are original works and free from plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, data manipulation, duplicate publication, and other forms of academic integrity violations.

JPHHS is committed to handling all allegations of misconduct objectively, fairly, and confidentially in order to maintain the quality and integrity of scholarly publication.