STATISTICAL REVIEW POLICY

Journal of Pak International Medical College (JPIMC)

Overview

The Journal of Pak International Medical College (JPIMC) is committed to ensuring the scientific validity, methodological rigor, and statistical accuracy of all published research. Statistical evaluation is an integral component of the editorial and peer-review process for manuscripts containing quantitative analyses.

Where appropriate, manuscripts undergo an independent statistical review to verify the appropriateness of study design, sample size, analytical methods, interpretation of findings, and reporting of statistical results. This process supports transparent, reproducible, and evidence-based biomedical research.

 

Purpose of Statistical Review

The statistical review process aims to:

  • Verify the scientific validity of statistical analyses.
  • Ensure appropriate study design and methodology.
  • Improve the accuracy of data interpretation.
  • Promote transparent and reproducible research.
  • Enhance compliance with international reporting standards.
  • Minimize statistical errors before publication.

 

Manuscripts Requiring Statistical Review

Statistical review is generally required for:

  • Original Research Articles
  • Clinical Trials
  • Observational Studies
  • Cohort Studies
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
  • Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (where applicable)

Review articles, editorials, letters to the editor, and case reports may undergo statistical review when deemed necessary by the Editor-in-Chief.

 

Scope of Statistical Evaluation

The Statistical Reviewer evaluates the following components:

Study Design

  • Study objectives
  • Research hypothesis
  • Study design suitability
  • Inclusion and exclusion criteria
  • Sampling method

Sample Size

Verification of:

  • Sample size calculation
  • Statistical assumptions
  • Power calculation (where applicable)
  • Precision estimates

 

Statistical Methods

Assessment of:

  • Selection of statistical tests
  • Distribution of variables
  • Parametric versus non-parametric analyses
  • Regression analyses
  • Survival analyses
  • Multivariable modelling
  • Diagnostic accuracy methods

Statistical Reporting

Authors should clearly report:

  • Statistical software used
  • Software version
  • Level of statistical significance
  • Exact p-values where appropriate
  • Confidence Intervals (95% CI)
  • Effect sizes
  • Measures of variability (SD, IQR, SE)
  • Odds Ratios (OR)
  • Relative Risks (RR)
  • Hazard Ratios (HR)

Recommended Statistical Software

JPIMC accepts analyses performed using recognized statistical software, including:

  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Stata
  • R Statistical Software
  • SAS
  • GraphPad Prism
  • MedCalc

Authors should specify the software name and version within the Methods section.

Statistical Reporting Standards

Authors are encouraged to:

  • Report exact p-values whenever possible.
  • Present 95% confidence intervals for principal outcomes.
  • Report effect sizes alongside significance testing.
  • Clearly define all statistical tests.
  • State assumptions used for statistical analyses.
  • Explain management of missing data.
  • Describe methods used for adjustment of confounding variables.

Common Statistical Issues Evaluated

The Statistical Reviewer may identify:

  • Inappropriate statistical tests
  • Incorrect interpretation of results
  • Inadequate sample size
  • Missing confidence intervals
  • Unsupported conclusions
  • Incorrect regression modelling
  • Failure to adjust for confounding variables
  • Incomplete reporting of statistical methods

Authors may be requested to revise their analyses before further editorial consideration.

Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are responsible for ensuring that:

  • Statistical analyses are appropriate.
  • Data are accurately reported.
  • Statistical methods are reproducible.
  • Raw data are retained for verification if requested.
  • All analyses comply with accepted scientific standards.

Where necessary, authors are encouraged to consult a qualified statistician during study design and manuscript preparation.

Responsibilities of Statistical Reviewers

Statistical reviewers evaluate manuscripts objectively and confidentially by assessing:

  • Methodological appropriateness.
  • Statistical validity.
  • Accuracy of reported analyses.
  • Interpretation of findings.
  • Consistency between results and conclusions.

Statistical reviewers do not modify study findings but provide recommendations to improve scientific accuracy.

Editorial Decision Following Statistical Review

Following statistical evaluation, the manuscript may receive one of the following recommendations:

  • Statistical methods acceptable.
  • Minor statistical revision required.
  • Major statistical revision required.
  • Additional analyses recommended.
  • Manuscript unsuitable for publication due to significant methodological concerns.

The final editorial decision remains with the Editor-in-Chief.

Statistical Review Workflow

 

Manuscript Submission          │          ▼Technical Screening          │          ▼Editorial Assessment          │          ▼Peer Review          │          ▼Statistical Review          │          ▼Author Revision          │          ▼Editorial Approval          │          ▼Copyediting          │          ▼Publication

 

Commitment to Scientific Quality

JPIMC is committed to promoting accurate statistical reporting, methodological transparency, and reproducible biomedical research. Statistical review strengthens the reliability of published findings and supports evidence-based clinical practice.