Which subheadings are usually included in the Results section of a manuscript?

The inclusion of demographics as a subheading in the Results section of a manuscript is essential because it provides critical information about the characteristics of the study population. This information allows readers to understand the context in which the research was conducted and helps in interpreting the findings accurately. Demographics typically include age, sex, ethnicity, baseline health conditions, and other relevant participant attributes that may influence the outcomes of the study. By presenting this data clearly in the Results section, the authors facilitate a better understanding of how the results may apply to different populations or how they relate to the study’s objectives.

In contrast, other options such as study design, comparative treatments, and ethical guidelines generally belong in different sections of the manuscript. Study design is typically described in the Methods section, where the authors outline how the study was structured and the methodologies employed. Comparative treatments are often discussed alongside results but might be more appropriately placed in the Methods or Discussion sections, where the authors can provide contextual analysis of the treatment effects. Ethical guidelines are crucial but usually fall under a separate section of the manuscript, often in the Introduction or as a footnote, where ethical considerations are disclosed.