Correction, Expression of Concern, Retraction and Withdrawal Policy

Correction

A correction may be issued for an error that does not invalidate the main conclusions, such as a factual, typographical, data-description, author-affiliation, or figure-label error. Corrections are clearly linked to the published article and preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

Expression of Concern

An Expression of Concern may be issued when serious questions about an article cannot yet be resolved — for example, while an investigation is ongoing or evidence remains inconclusive. The journal may contact relevant institutions or ethics bodies.

Retraction

Retraction may be appropriate where findings are unreliable because of major error or misconduct, including fabrication, falsification, substantial plagiarism or unattributed reproduction that materially compromises the publication, unethical research, or duplicate publication.

Retraction Notice

A retraction notice explains the reason for retraction, identifies the article, and remains linked to the Version of Record. The original article is normally retained as part of the scholarly record with clear retraction labeling rather than silently removed.

How Concerns Are Handled

On receiving a concern, the editorial team assesses it and seeks clarification or evidence from the authors and, where appropriate, reviewers, institutions, or ethics bodies. GJCCPH applies relevant COPE guidance to determine whether correction, expression of concern, retraction, or another action is appropriate, then records the decision, communicates it to the relevant parties, and updates the article’s linked metadata where technically supported.

Author-Requested Retraction

Authors may request retraction when a genuine error materially invalidates the work. The journal considers the request independently. Where feasible, all authors confirm the request; disagreement among authors does not prevent the journal from acting when the scholarly record requires it.

Persistent Record

DOIs and links to corrections or retractions are maintained where supported by the journal’s publishing infrastructure. Crossmark or an equivalent versioning service is used when configured.