Review for 10.1186/s12876-023-02941-x (2023)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
BEHAVIOUR REGULATION AND THE ROLE OF MENTAL
HEALTH IN NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
Version: 
1 
Date: 
31 Oct 2022
Reviewer: 
Jesús Funuyet-Salas
Reviewer's report:
This manuscript intends to analyse factors which may influence NAFLD patients'
behaviour in respect to therapeutic adherence. Study findings show an
association between personality disorders and NAFLD. The study is well carried
out and well-conducted. The methodology is appropriate for the objectives
posed. Study findings are innovative and useful for the study of biopsychosocial
profiles associated with NAFLD. However, some changes and questions should
be addressed: 
-Results and conclusions of the manuscript are focused on personality. It should
be the same for the title of the study. Locus of control, for example, turned out to
be an irrelevant variable. The title should only include the most important part of
the study.
-The introduction is too long. It would be fine for a review, but this is not the
case. The introduction should be shortened by at least half. The authors should
make sure that the clinical relevance of the study and clinical as well as policy
justifications are present.
-Most of the references are too old. Please include references from the last five
years.
-Regarding the relationship between diet, weight loss and NAFLD in the
introduction, please see the study by Vilar-Gomez et al. (2015) (doi:
10.1053/j.gastro.2015.04.005)
-Data on NAFLD prevalence should be updated. Are the authors sure that the
prevalence of NAFLD is 46% in the general population? Please see this study
(doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000002484)
-Why was the internal consistency of the HADS scale not provided?
-As part of the procedure section, the authors should clarify what "non-lifestyle
liver disease patients" refers to.
-There should be a statistical analysis section - so statistical analysis should be
removed from the results section. 
-Page 8, line 17: please remove "and".
-Results with no statistically significant differences should not be present in the
results section of the manuscript. Please focus only on statistically significant
differences.
-Sample size should be included and discussed as a limitation of the study.
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Declaration of competing interests
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interests, considering the following questions:
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
Yes
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
Yes
Is the use of statistics and treatment of uncertainties appropriate?
Yes
Is the presentation of the work clear?
No
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes