The Satisfaction rate of Authors from Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2005 and 2006

Introduction: Scholarly activities as well as growth in Science and technology have been well established as the basis for development in every country. In recent years due to more attention to research the number of research projects and published articles in Iranian and International journals has gained a rapid increase. Therefore, the evaluation of Medical journals as sources of publishing the results of research projects is necessary. This study was performed to assess the satisfaction rate of authors from Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences and compare it with their satisfaction rate from other Iranian journals. Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study a three-part questionnaire was designed and distributed among corresponding authors whose manuscripts were accepted or were under consideration by Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. The questionnaire’s reliability was confirmed by using alpha-Cronbach and validity was confirmed by getting experts opinions. Data analysis was done by using Wilcoxon and Chisquare tests. Results: The response rate was 78.2%, and the mean age of the participants was 43.7 (28-62) years and mean number of their published articles was 18.9±2.3. In regard to satisfaction rate, 14.8% were very satisfied, 40.7% were satisfied and 44.4% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. The satisfaction rate of the same authors for other journals was as follows: 14.3% were very satisfied, 35.7% were satisfied, 47.6% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied and 24% were dissatisfied. There was no significant difference in this regard between Kerman and other journals. There was only a significant difference in regard to journal office performance between Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences and other journals. Conclusion: Although Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences is in the same level or better than the other Iranian journals, by considering the great background of this journal it is necessary to schedule for its rapid promotion as well as its inclusion in valid indexing services.