Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Association between factors related to the pregnancy, neonatal period, and
later complications (especially asthma) and menarcheal age in a sample of
Lebanese girls
Version: 
0 
Date: 
20 Aug 2020
Reviewer: 
Taqdir Bhandal
Reviewer's report:
Background
P. 1
Certainly a comprehensive account of the impact of various physical experiences
of mothers on a child's menarche.
Define thelarche and pubarche
Right now, the background section feels a little bleak. Are there some positive
aspects and findings of menarche that can also be highlighted?
p. 2 BACKGROUND
Here you briefly mention the psychosocial and socio-economic factors which I
believe could be further expanded on. 
Obesity, mothering, and pregnancy are all
contextually situated in social, economic, and political contexts. 
Could you add in some literature that considers the mental, emotional, and
spiritual aspects of menarche. The current focus is very much on the physical
health aspects. 
p. 3 METHODS
Clear description of methods, robust sample size, and appropriate use of verbal
consent.
p. 4 METHODS
Were girls asked about re-usable pads, period underwear, or menstrual cups?
Could you expand on the study setting and the social context of the study
participants?
p. 5 RESULTS
clear description of statistical differences and means of the sample.
Did any identify with having endometriosis?
p. 6 RESULTS
Very interesting results, especially the phototherapy findings. There are a
number of researchers and health care providers who have found exposure to
light (especially while sleeping) to be associated with a regulation of menstrual
cycles. 
p. 7 DISCUSSION
Clear discussion of the findings put in context with relevant literature. Here I am
very interested in the effect of phototherapy. I recommend the authors investigate
the work of Joy DeFelice: http://onemoresoul.com/catalog/effects-of-light-on-
the-menstrual-cycle-and-fertility-p316.html
http://fertilityfriday.com/joydefelice/
p. 8 DISCUSSION
Continued clear discussion of the findings. 
p. 9 LIMITATIONS
Limitations are valid, especially the piece about recall bias. Moreover, how did
the researchers account for mothers who might not share accurate information
about alcohol and tobacco intake due to social taboos?
p. 9 CONCLUSION
I recommend extending the conclusion and adding in a few of the key findings.
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