Nursing Publications Outside the United States

Purpose: To replicate a 1992–1993 study of the characteristics of English‐language nursing journals originating in countries other than the United States and to compare findings. Such information heightens awareness of publishing opportunities globally and enhances dissemination of information throughout the world. Design: Descriptive survey with a questionnaire mailed to 159 editors of nursing and nursing‐related journals. Data about the publication year, 1995, were collected from April 1996 through March 1997. Method: A 38‐item questionnaire pertaining to journal, readership, manuscript review, and journal staff characteristics was used. Findings: Information about 82 journals from 13 countries was collected with an overall response rate of 55%. In the 1992–1993 study the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia accounted for the largest percent of publications. With few exceptions, results of the 1996–1997 and the earlier survey are remarkably similar. Differences include a higher total circulation, changes in circulation among journal categories, and more publications offering services to authors. Two main reasons for manuscript rejection continue to be that a manuscript is poorly written or poorly developed. Conclusions: Increased awareness of non‐U.S. publishing outlets can lead to the acceptance of informative and well‐written manuscripts and ultimately to the dissemination of information and knowledge.