Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Bayesian semi-parametric spatial modelling of intimate partner violence in
Namibia using 2013 Demographic Health Survey Data
Version: 
1 
Date: 
09 Mar 2020
Reviewer's report:
Dear Authors,
Thank you for the opportunity to review your manuscriptBMWH-D-
19_00856R1 Bayesian semi-parametric spatial modelling of intimate partner
violence in Namibia using 2013 Demographic Health Survey Data
The manuscript investigates intimate partner violence within the context of
Namibia. The context, sociodemographic, and geographical location information
and spatial effects are tested. Investigating this important health issue within this
context is appreciated. The prevalence of IPV has been reported to be high in
sub-Saharan Africa. The dataset appears to be rich. 
However, I have major concerns to this manuscript, mainly regarding the
methods and results. Associations are reported as significant results even if
numbers in the tables indicate non-significant numbers. Correlations between
dependent variables were not tested or adjusted for, even if correlations between
these variables are well documented. 
In addition, the manuscript is not conducted according to APA guidelines or in
accordance to how to report scientific studies.
Are the methods appropriate and well described?
If not, please specify what is
required in your comments to the authors.
No
Does the work include the necessary controls?
If not, please specify which
controls are required in your comments to the authors.
No
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.
I am able to assess the statistics
Quality of written English
Please indicate the quality of language in the
manuscript:
Not suitable for publication unless extensively edited
Declaration of competing interests
Please complete a declaration of competing
interests, considering the following questions:
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 manuscript, either now or in the future?
2
. 
Do you hold any stocks or shares in an organisation that may in any way
gain or lose 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?
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have no competing
interests' below. If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.
I declare that I have no competing interes
I agree to the open peer review policy of the journal. I understand that my name
will be included on my report to the authors and, if the manuscript is accepted
for publication, my named report including any attachments I upload will be
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(
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
). I understand that any comments
which I do not wish to be included in my named report can be included as
confidential comments to the editors, which will not be published.
I agree to the open peer review policy of the journal