Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Tending the 'monthly flower:'  A qualitative study of menstrual beliefs in Tigray, Ethiopia  
 
Version: 1 Date: 22 Sep 2018  
 
Reviewer: Mags Beksinska  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
This is a very interesting article and very well written. It is important that these situations are 
written about and  widely disseminated so people understand the impact menstruation has socially 
on young women.  
 
The young girls and older women seem to recall the same problems and challenges with both 
groups seeing to indicate parents said nothing and girls did not want to ask their parents. For the 
older women if they experienced such negative expereineces did they say anything about trying 
to assist their own daughters? or did they feel that it was the schools responsibility to educate and 
inform girls about menstrual m anagement. Had their been any generational shifts in attitudes? 
Noting age of menarche has dropped by about 2 years across Africa over the last 40 years was 
anything mentioned about this?  
 
It may be  worth adding in some more general context of the country  and what women use see 
this reference.http://www.pma2020.org/sites/default/files/ETR5 -MHM%20brief -v1-2017 -08-
14_0.pdf  
 
In your conclusion you mention education is required. Is there any lifeskills or similar 
component in the school curriculum? has your/wi ll your campaign address policy or programme 
changes that may shift current practice or systems?  
Otherwise lovely paper, enjoyed reading it very much  
 
 
 
 
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.  
 
No 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
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:  
 
Acceptable  
 
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