Title: Authorship Ethics among Sudanese Healthcare Researchers: Knowledge Gaps, Unethical Practices, and Hierarchical Influence
Authors: Tanzeel Alamin Almahdi Gorashi, Hajar Ali Elobaid Elbaloula, Ahd Abdelkreem Yousif Alata
Volume: 10
Issue: 9
Pages: 73-83
Publication Date: 2026/09/28
Abstract:
Background Unethical authorship practices remain an important concern in health research because inappropriate inclusion or exclusion of authors may compromise fairness, accountability, and research integrity. Objective To assess awareness, attitudes, and practices related to authorship ethics among Sudanese healthcare professionals. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 98 respondents. Data were summarized using frequencies and percentages, and associations between demographic characteristics and authorship-related outcomes were assessed using chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Among 98 respondents, 84.7% were female and 77.6% were Medical Laboratory Scientists. Awareness of unethical authorship practices was reported by 45.9%, while 76.5% had heard of gift/honorary authorship. Only 32.7% correctly identified all five ICMJE authorship components. Overall, 38.8% reported having added a non-contributing author, 30.6% had been excluded despite making a contribution, and 31.6% had been pressured to include a non-contributing author. Most respondents (84.7%) stated that they would not engage in unethical authorship practices, and 91.8% would refuse to add a non-contributing author. Demographic variables showed significant associations with awareness and authorship practices (mostly p < 0.001). Conclusion The findings indicate important gaps in comprehensive authorship knowledge alongside persistent inappropriate authorship practices. Formal authorship-ethics education, transparent authorship agreements, and stronger institutional policies are needed.