Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01405-w (2020)

Reviewer’ s report
Title: The Durham Initiative for Stomach Health (DISH): A pilot community-based Helicobacter
pylori education and screening study
Version: 0Date: 03 Jun 2020
Reviewer's report:
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This is an interesting study of assessing the efficacy of screening for H pylori in a relatively
asymptomatic group over the age of 40 which could be a useful pilot study for future moreextensive studies.A lot of effort put in to attract only 92 individuals.The subjects studied were African American who were church goers, I note Tuesday was the daythe study was conducted, I wonder why Sunday was not chosen when the number of worshiperswould be greater
The main drawback to the study is that we are not told the size of the target population
Like most screening studies the majority are females, however, males are more prone to gastriccancer than females and more effort to encourage males to participate in screening is necessaryThe relative low prevalence of H pylori in 27% of individuals is surprising but may represent an
inherent bias towards a more affluent population
The disappointing results of eradication rates of 70%I note family practitioners were informed but as discussed their track record of testing, treating andre-testing are poorThe treatments given, were they uniform, would it have been better if the investigators gave thetreatmentWould it be better if the treatment was free of chargeWould it be better if compliance was more rigorously enforcedTables 1. table 2 and table four are not necessary, table 3 is crutial as is the figureI note that the same congregation with the help of their pastor had initiatives for colon cancer, arethere any results of this campaign
Are the methods appropriate and well described?
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YesDoes the work include the necessary controls?
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Yes
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?
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YesAre you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an
additional statistical review?If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require furtherassessment in your comments to the editors.
I am able to assess the statisticsQuality of written English
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AcceptableDeclaration of competing interests
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