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Video

Comprehensive Otolaryngology

(A222) Gender-Inclusive Research Author Instructions: A Cross-Sectional Study of Otolaryngology Journal Submission Guidelines

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Alexander Moise, MDCM

    PGY-2
    University of British Columbia, Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    • Co-Author(s)

  • YL

    Ying Jie Li

    Medical Student
    University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine
    Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada

  • YC

    Yvonne Chan, MD

    Professor and Vice Chair Education
    University of Toronto
    Toronto, ON, Canada

  • M. Elise Graham, MD, FRCSC

    Associate Professor
    Dalhousie University, Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
    Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

    • Senior Author(s)

  • AH

    Amanda C. Hu, MD

    Dr.
    University of British Columbia, Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
    Vancouver, United States

Disclosure(s):
Alexander Moise, MDCM: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Ying Jie Li: No relevant relationships to disclose.
M. Elise Graham, MD, FRCSC: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Amanda C. Hu, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of gender-inclusive otolaryngology (ENT) journals and explore associations between gender inclusivity and journal metrics.

Methods: This cross-sectional study reviewed author submission guidelines for ENT journals indexed in Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate Analytics) under the “Otorhinolaryngology” and “Otolaryngology” categories as of October 2024. Journal metrics, including the 2023 Journal Impact Factor (JIF), total citations, and publication models, were extracted. Guidelines were assessed for six predefined gender inclusivity criteria: i) gender-inclusive language examples, ii) recommendations for its use, iii) distinctions between sex and gender, iv) additional author resources, v) name change policies, and vi) inclusivity statements. Journals meeting at least one criterion were categorized as “inclusive.”

Results:

Results: Of 77 ENT journals, 48% (37/77) met at least one inclusivity criterion. The most common criteria were inclusivity statements (54%, 20/37), gender-inclusive language recommendations (35%, 13/37), and educational resources for authors (35%, 13/37). Inclusive journals demonstrated higher median total citations (4872 [IQR, 525.3–5397.3] vs. 2561 [IQR, 250.5–2811.5]; median difference, 637; 95% CI, 576.54–2723.71) and median 2023 JIF (1.7 [IQR, 1.1–2.5] vs. 1. [IQR, 0.4–1.575]; median difference, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.20–1.40). Inclusive journals also had higher Normalized Eigenfactor (0.422 [IQR, 0.153–0.847] vs. 0.133 [IQR, 0.036–0.496]; median difference, 0.289; 95% CI, 0.027–0.571). Furthermore, inclusive journals showed greater Journal Citation Indicator values, more citable items, total items reflecting stronger research influence, broader reach, and greater publication variability.

Conclusions: A minority of ENT journals provide gender-inclusive submission guidelines. Updating these guidelines is essential to promote gender equity and foster inclusion of gender-diverse communities in research.