Accuracy of References in Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery

This study was done to observe the accuracy of references in articles published in Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. There were 63 references randomly selected from different issues of Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery (IJOHNS). It includes: Volume 61, Number 4, December 2009 and Volume 62, Number 1, January 2010. References were examined in details by dividing them into six elements and they were compared with the original for accuracy. References not cited from indexed journals were excluded. Statistical analysis was done by using frequency and percentage. Results show that 30.1% references in Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery were incorrect. Most common errors were author's name and journal name. Author's names were found to be incorrect in 11.1% references while journal name were found to be incorrect in 6.3%. Errors in citing the references are also found in the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. The quoted error in this study is comparable to other international literatures. The majority of errors are avoidable. So, the authors, editors and the reviewers have to check for any errors seriously before publication in the journal.