Background Information
Abstract submission will be accepted from professionals and practitioners from various health and non-health disciplines who wish to present and share their research and other work on the way that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives, health and well-being of the population; as well as the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the way-forward and lessons learnt.
General Guidelines
- The Call for Abstracts is now open and can be accessed through the following link: Abstract Submission – MAPHM Symposium 2021
- Log in using your email address and create your own password.
- Deadline for submission of Abstracts is the 26th of September 2021.
- All Abstracts should represent original work and be scientifically sound.
- Abstracts should not be work or studies which have already been published but should present something new or different.
- The overall theme of this conference is the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hence, all submissions should reflect the general theme of the conference.
- Topics from different disciplines including public health, health and social sciences, finance, economics, management, politics, ICT, education, sports etc will be accepted as long as the research/work submitted is related to the various aspects of the pandemic including its impact on the lives, health and well-being of the population as well as challenges brought on by the pandemic, the way-forward and lessons learnt.
- Both research as well as programme/policy-driven abstracts will be accepted for consideration.
- Any queries or general guidance regarding abstract submission may be submitted on the following email: symposium@maphm.org
Detailed Guidelines
Type of abstracts
Research abstract
Programme/Policy-driven abstract
Instructions for Abstract Submission
- All abstracts must be submitted and presented in good English.
- All abstracts should be between 350-400 words with a maximum word count of 400 words. This does not include the title and short overall message which have separate word counts. Title: maximum word count: 50; Short message: maximum word count: 30.
- Do not add tables or graphs. Avoid acronyms and abbreviations.
- Use single line spacing, size 11, arial font.
- Besides the first author, a maximum of 20 co-authors can be included.
- For Abstract type please choose between: Research or Programme/Policy Driven.
- When writing your abstract use the sub-headings as indicated in the submission form e.g. Background, Method, etc.
Abstract Format
All abstracts should be structured depending on the type of abstract:
3A Research Abstract
Title
Abstract title should be descriptive, informative and concise and should stand on its own. (maximum word count: 50)
Background
Address the scientific background and rationale of the study. Explain why the study is important and what questions it will answer.
Methods
Describe the study design, the study participants, setting and data collection methods used.
Results
Present the major qualitative and/or quantitative findings which relate to the conclusion.
Discussion
Outline the main discussion points
Conclusions
State the conclusions directly supported by the data. Mention the actions that are recommended from the study and the expected magnitude of the impact.
Message
Write a short message (20-30 words) which summarises the main impact of your work.
3B – Programme-Policy Driven Abstract
Title
Abstract title should be descriptive, informative and concise and should stand on its own
Issue/Problem
Describe the issue/problem that is being addressed by the programme or policy. Include the background and context of the issue/problem and also the significance. Explain why the policy intervention is important.
Literature Review (if relevant)
Methods
Describe clearly the objective/s, design, testing and implementation methods and time frame used (as applicable).
Results
Present the results (effects/changes) from the policy or programme initiative.
Lessons learnt
Report the lessons of interest that relate to the policy. Report the actions that are recommended and should be implemented as a consequence of the policy. Include, where relevant, socio-economic factors, good practices, legal aspects, political aspects, evidence-based policy.
Message
Write a short message (20-30 words) which summarises the main impact of your work.
Evaluation procedure
All submitted abstracts will be peer reviewed by the scientific committee. An anonymous system will be used for scoring.
Notification
Once abstract is submitted, submitting author will receive a notification that abstract has been successfully delivered. If not received kindly send an email on: symposium@maphm.org to inform us.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their submission by an acceptance/rejection letter by the 29th of October 2021.
Though you may choose your preferred form of presentation, the final decision on whether your abstract has been accepted for an oral or poster presentation will rest on the scientific committee.
Authors may be asked to revise their abstract and will be expected to submit the revised document within a stipulated timeframe.
Dr Kathleen England
Scientific Committee Chair