STM Article Repository

Background: Publication of articles in peer-reviewed journals is a major way to disseminate current information on various medical topics. We sought to identify the factors that act as determinants of the choice of a journal by researchers in a tertiary center as well as the hindrances and motivators to publish.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study performed at the Jos University Teaching Hospital a federal academic medical referral center that has specialist in the specialties of medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology and dentistry. We distributed a structured self-administered questionnaire to 81 members of the medical staff who were researchers working with the University of Jos and at the 2017 annual general meeting of The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and consented to participate in the study. SPSS statistical software version 18 was used for data analysis.

Results: We identified that the visibility of a journal, specialty covered, frequency of publication, recommendation by a colleague, and no costs to publish are the major factors that determine choice of journal for publication. Dissemination of knowledge was found to be the major motivator to publish. However lack of time and cost of publication are major hindrances to publication. Respondents said that a suitable academic environment, research mentorship, and promotion are major factors that would enhance and encourage publications.

Conclusion: We identified that the visibility of a journal, specialty covered by the journal and frequency of publications are the major factors that determine choice of journal for publication. If the major hindrances to publication can be adequately addressed and the motivations to publications promoted, more articles would be published from this region where research and publications are currently under-represented.