The Background section should explain the background to the study, its aims, a summary of the existing literature, and why this study was necessary.
Methods
The Methods section should include:
The aim, design, and setting of the study
The characteristics of participants or description of materials
A clear description of all processes, interventions, and comparisons. Generic names should generally be used. When proprietary brands are used in research, include the brand names in parentheses
The type of statistical analysis used, including a power calculation if appropriate
Results
This should include the findings of the study including, if appropriate, results of statistical analysis which must be included either in the text or as tables and figures.
Discussion
For research articles, this section should discuss the implications of the findings in the context of existing research and highlight limitations of the study. For study protocols and methodology manuscripts, this section should include a discussion of any practical or operational issues involved in performing the study and any issues not covered in other sections.
Conclusions
This should state clearly the main conclusions and provide an explanation of the importance and relevance of the study to the field.
Background
The Background section should explain the background to the study, its aims, a summary of the existing literature, and why this study was necessary.
Methods
The Methods section should include:
Results
This should include the findings of the study including, if appropriate, results of statistical analysis which must be included either in the text or as tables and figures.
Discussion
For research articles, this section should discuss the implications of the findings in the context of existing research and highlight limitations of the study. For study protocols and methodology manuscripts, this section should include a discussion of any practical or operational issues involved in performing the study and any issues not covered in other sections.
Conclusions
This should state clearly the main conclusions and provide an explanation of the importance and relevance of the study to the field.