Editor Spotlight: Frank Kyei-Arthur

This month, we sat down with Dr. Frank Kyei-Arthur to discuss how he assess the reviewers’ comments as an Academic Editor, his research interest in diverse populations, and the importance of Open Science in the population health research.

Dr. Frank Kyei-Arthur is a population scientist and a lecturer at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana. Dr. Kyei-Arthur has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Philosophy, a Master of Philosophy in Population Studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Population Studies. He has been involved in numerous research projects, including women shellfishers and food security project, global exemplars in stunting reduction: Ghana country case study, adolescent survey on smoking in Ghana, and attitude and health-seeking behaviour related to non-communicable diseases among children in Ghana.

These projects influenced his research interests, which include elderly care/long-term care, population ageing, family caregiving, sexual and reproductive health and rights, maternal and child health, children’s rights and well-being, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and human population and health nexus.

As PLOS ONE Academic Editor, you provide thorough assessments of reviewers’ comments in your decision letters. What is your approach?

I read each reviewer’s comments and suggestions by relating them to the respective sections of the manuscript in which they are making those comments and suggestions. I use this method for all applicable sections of the manuscript. This approach enables me to get a comprehensive understanding of their comments and suggestions, which aids me in summarising their comments and suggestions for the authors. It also guarantees that authors receive valuable feedback to improve their manuscripts.

Your research focuses on a wide range of populations, diverse in demographics (ages, genders, occupations). Why is it important to understand public health from various perspectives?

Each population sub-group possesses distinct demographic characteristics that make them more susceptible to specific health conditions. For instance, older adults are at a higher risk of impairments, disabilities, and frailty than younger adults. Also, adolescents, while transitioning from childhood and adulthood, may adopt behaviours, such as substance use, which could lead to violence and sexual risk-taking (such as unprotected sex). Learning about these sub-groups will aid in the development of appropriate interventions to enhance their respective health and general well-being.

How important is Open Science for the population health research community?

Open science provides the population health research community access to the most up-to-date scientific research. Access to the most up-to-date scientific research provides the latest knowledge and evidence to understand social phenomena, which helps in designing appropriate interventions to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by contributors are solely those of individual contributors, and not necessarily those of PLOS.