Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Medical Sciences (JUQUMS) follows the International Council of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines in adherence to the principles of transparency, fairness, and ethical publishing. JUQUMS expects all authors submitting manuscripts to provide clear and comprehensive information regarding their contributions to the research work presented in the manuscript. Authorship is a significant aspect of scholarly publications, and proper attribution of contributions ensures academic integrity and accountability. Therefore, all authors are required to follow these guidelines for authorship and contributorship:
 

1. Authorship Criteria: To qualify as an author, an individual must have made a substantial and intellectual contribution to the conception, design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or drafting of the manuscript. All eligible authors should have actively participated in the research process and approved the final version of the manuscript.
    
2. Authorship Order: Authors should collectively determine the order of authorship based on their relative contributions. It is essential to discuss and reach a consensus on the order before submitting the manuscript. The corresponding author should be designated, and their contact information provided.
    
3. Contributions Statement: At the time of submission, all authors are required to provide a clear and detailed statement of their specific contributions to the research. This statement should highlight the role of each author in the study, including any specialized tasks or responsibilities they undertook.
    
4. Changes in Authorship: Any changes in authorship, including additions, removals, or modifications to the order, must be communicated to the journal editorial office with a proper justification. All authors involved in the manuscript must consent to such changes.
    
5. Acknowledgment of Non-Author Contributions: Individuals who contributed to the research but do not meet the criteria for authorship should be acknowledged in the Acknowledgments section. This includes individuals who provided administrative, technical, or material support.
    
6. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Authors should disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to their research or financial interests that might influence the interpretation of the findings. This information will be published as part of the manuscript. 
    

By adhering to these authorship and contributionship guidelines, JUQUMS aims to promote transparency, fairness, and responsible research conduct within the academic community. These practices contribute to the credibility and reliability of scholarly publications, ensuring the integrity of the research process. Authors are encouraged to review these guidelines carefully and seek clarification from the editorial office if needed during the submission process.