Reviewer’s report
Title: Prevalence and risk factors of obstetric fistula: Implementation of a need based preventive
action plan in a South eastern rural community of India
Version: 1 Date: 09 Aug 2019
Reviewer: George Eleje
Reviewer's report:
TITLE
This is an interesting study aimed at estimating the prevalence and risk factors of obstetric fistula in the
rural area of south eastern community of India and training of community health worker's for its
prevention. However, there are a number of issues that must be addressed including English language
editing.
Title: This is Ok.
ABSTRACT
This is Ok.  Include the exclusion and inclusion criteria under methods section.
The authors stated: A total of 3939 participants were included in the study and PPS sampling was used.
What is PPS?
The authors stated:'diagnosis and speculum examination the chronic obstetric morbidity pattern was:
Obstetric  fistula  (0.3%),  stress  urinary  incontinence  (20%),  pelvic  inflammatory diseases  (1.2%),
prolapse (1.4%) and urinary tract infection (3.75%).'
The authors should ensure that there are uniform decimal places.
Conclusion: The authors stated: 'Our present study showed the prevalence of obstetric fistula and
chance of occurrence found to be associated with no antenatal visits, prolonged labor, poor institutional
delivery system, delay in emergency obstetric care and more moves to the delivery place'.
This conclusion is not in line with the result of the study as shown in the abstract.
INTRODUCTION
This should be shortened. The authors should beef up the justification of the study. They should remove
redundant details.
Methods.
This is well written.
Results:
Please, put the results in at least one decimal place. Ensure uniformity in decimal places.
There are some ambiguities in the study results.
Discussion
This is fair, but the authors should discuss the limitations and strengths of the study.
Are the methods appropriate and well described?
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.
Yes
Does the work include the necessary controls?
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.
Yes
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.
No
Are 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 further
assessment in your comments to the editors.
Not relevant to this manuscript
Quality of written English
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:
Needs some language corrections before being published
Declaration of competing interests
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1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an
organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this
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financially from the publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future?
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the
manuscript?
4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that holds
or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?
6. Do you have any non-financial competing interests in relation to this paper?
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If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.
I declare that I have no competing interests.
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