Reviewer’ s report
Title: ‘Flower of the body’: Menstrual experiences and needs of young adolescent women with
cerebral palsy in Bangladesh, and their mothers providing menstrual support.
Version: 1Date: 27 Apr 2020
Reviewer: Linda Mason
Reviewer's report:
I congratulate the authors on the changes that they made and feel that the present paper is of
sufficient quality and interest to be published if themes 4 & 5 are better aligned. I also haveanother suggestion - at the authors discretion that may strengthen this paper further.
The amendments of the themes generally made the paper easier for the reader to comprehend and
to see better how the content could be aligned within the key headings. However, I believe thatthemes 4 & 5 might be better arranged. For example, the symptoms of menstruation might bebetter aligned with menstrual management. I found very little in theme five about 'paternalregulation' but some clues in theme 4, which mentions 'paternal forces', showing the need to hidemenstruation from brother and father. Paternal regulation might also sit alongside the idea thatmenstruation has to be endured as it is 'given by Allah'. As it stands theme 5 does not link topaternal regulation until an almost incidental mention in the final paragraph. If this aspect isimportant it could then be pulled out a lot more, (and then perhaps also discussed as an issue in thediscussion chapter?. As it stands, no mention is made which I feel is a shame, particularly giventhe positioning of the paper which draws upon feminist disability theory and thus needs to drawout further the role of socio-cultural factors in young women's experiences).
My other discretionary suggestion relates to my view that the conclusion in the abstract is not as
strong as the conclusion in the body of the paper, and although about adolescents with CP inBangladesh, this echoes the general literature pertaining to the majority of adolescents in LMIC'si.e. they need to participate in education about menstruation, have access to affordable menstrualhygiene, as well as aid in pain management. I think therefore that the authors miss a goodopportunity to address the very specific nature of the experience of menstruation for adolescentswith CP and what needs to be addressed to assist both their - and their carers - needs. (Indeed if thestudy conclusion itself could be pulled still further that would enhance the study even more in myopinion).
Are the methods appropriate and well described?
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.
YesDoes the work include the necessary controls?
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.
Unable to assess
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.
YesAre 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 manuscriptQuality of written English
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:
AcceptableDeclaration of competing interests
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