Asian Journal of Communication

In this special issue, we invite scholars to submit manuscripts exploring how emerging digital health technologies are reshaping the role of communication within the Asian context and the impact they have on population health.

In recent years, the field of digital health technologies has experienced remarkable growth and innovation, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. For instance, advancements in digital therapeutics and phenotyping, generative artificial intelligence and chatbots, telehealth and medicine, virtual and augmented reality for medical practice, as well as wearables and mobile apps are slated to revolutionize how people and medical professionals interact with digital tools, access and utilize information, and communicate for health transformation. On the other hand, innovations in emerging health technologies could have unintended consequences such as ushering in a new level of digital divide, potentially exacerbating existing disparities in access to healthcare resources, information, and services among diverse populations in Asia.

We invite researchers, practitioners, and experts to contribute original research articles or critical reviews that will shed light on the advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the realm of digital health across Asia. We encourage contributors to dedicate attention to theoretical perspectives that enhance our understanding of communication dynamics in digital health with a specific focus on Asia context. Submissions may explore conceptual frameworks, models, or theories that elucidate the intricacies of communication processes among healthcare providers, patients, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the Asian digital health landscape. We also invite scholars to contribute insights into cutting-edge methodologies that enhance the extraction, analysis, and interpretation of data that would advance health communication.

We invite submissions on a variety of topics of interest for this collection, including but not limited to:

• Artificial Intelligence in healthcare and population health communication
• Digital therapeutics and mental health
• Social determinants and adoption of health technologies
• Impact of emerging health technologies on health disparities
• Innovative methodological approaches for big data analytics
• Geospatial examination of health data within the context of health communication
• Asia-centric communication theories for digital health
• Human-centered design and communication in digital health
• Gamification of health
• Telehealth and remote monitoring
• Health apps and wearables
• Blockchain Technology in Healthcare
• Digital health in aging
• Ethics and trust

Manuscripts may deploy quantitative or qualitative methods. The ideal manuscript would have a theoretical bent with an Asian voice, and not merely using Asia as a test-bed or data source. Case studies should aim for a wider application, either for Asia or the world.

Contributors are to submit a 500-word abstract by 15th June, 2024 to [email protected] with the subject line: AJC Special Issue.

If shortlisted, contributors will be invited to submit their full-length manuscript (prepared in accordance with AJC author guidelines) by 15th February 2025 via the journal website.

It's important to understand that the Asian Journal of Communication is dedicated to amplifying Asian perspectives within the field of communication research. Therefore, submissions must demonstrate a significant connection to Asia beyond merely utilizing the region as a data source. We seek works that contribute to or engage deeply with the Asian context, underscoring the relevance of their findings or discussions within this specific geographical and cultural framework.

All articles will undergo a rigorous peer review process. Once the paper has been assessed as appropriate by the editorial management team (with regard to form, content, and quality), it will be peer-reviewed by at least two reviewers in a double-blind review process.

Timeline

• Submission of abstracts: by 15th June, 2024
• Submission of full manuscripts for review: by 15th February, 2025
• Completion of reviews (first decisions sent): no later than 15th June 2025
• Submission of revised manuscripts: by 15 September 2025 (hard deadline for papers to be published)
• Notification of final acceptance: no later than 15 February 2026
• Publication: TBD

Instructions for AuthorsSubmit an Article