Review for 10.1186/s12876-023-02692-9 (2023)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Lifestyle Factors associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Data from
the Swiss IBD Cohort Study
Version: 
1 
Date: 
18 Dec 2022
Reviewer's report:
In the Introduction the authors provided information on the role of possible
early-life determinants of IBD like delivery, feeding, and physical activity.
However, it should be highlighted what is the knowledge gap which the present
study would like to cover. 
The major concern refers to the methodology. The questionnaire on early-life
experiences distributed among adults is of high risk of bias. The study and
control group need to recall memories about their early childhood. Please justify
that method. 
Has the questionnaire been verified, and how reliable and valid is it? More
information is needed. Answers on questions about eating habits "More than
other children", "In average like other children", "Less than other children"
appears of significant risk of bias. 
The issue of breastfeeding is too superficial - were there any difference between
duration of breastfeeding and risk of IBD?
In the Results please do not repeat data from Tables. Please provide statistical
analysis between subgroups: UC/IC patients and control group, and CD patients
and control group. 
Please provide statistical rationale for Table 8. 
In the Discussion please provide comparison between authors' own data and
other findings in the literatures and reasons for discrepancy.
Declaration of competing interests
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paper?
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interests' below. If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.
I declare that I have no competing interests
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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?
No
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?
Yes
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes
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