Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title:  Modern Contraceptive use among Women of Reproductive Age in Ghana: Analysis of the 
Ghana Demographic and Health Survey over a 15 -year Period  
 
Version: 0 Date: 22 Jun 2018 
 
Reviewer:  Janine  Barden -O'Fallon  
 
Reviewer’s report:  
 
This is the second round of reviews for this article, which looks a t individual and HH 
characteristics associated with FP use in 2003, 2008 and 2014.  
 
 
Comments:  
 
1. As a result of the editing, there are a number of typos in the document that need to be 
addressed (extra spaces, double periods, and the like).  
 
2. Please expla in why the study period is "15 years", when surveys used in the analysis are 
2003 -2014.  
 
3. Please check throughout that independent variables (and clustering) are not interpreted as 
"having an effect on contraceptive use". For example, in the paragraph sta ting the 
purpose of the analysis in the Background section.  
 
4. Abstract results: no need to have a statement about effect of clustering, since this was 
addressed in the methods.  
 
5. Abstract conclusion: Needs to be presented in a way that highlights this is  an analysis of 
trends. Perhaps use a word like '"persistent" determinants of modern contraceptive use…' 
rather than "prevalent". Consider qualifiers like, '…"during this time period"' or '…"over 
time"'. This is the same general comment for the conclusion section of the paper.  
 
6. Background: First few sentences of the manuscript are very basic for a scientific journal. 
May want to remove or adjust.  
 
7. Background: Not made clear why it is important to assess the effect of clustering on 
model interpretation.  
 
8. Methods: Does your study include all women or married only? Does it include currently 
pregnant women? Does it include infertile women?  
 
9. Discussion: There are two non -referenced citations in this section (using "????").  
 
10. Discussion: How different are your point estimates from DHS reported estimates?  
 
11. Lastly, recommendations for programmatic improvements aren't very specific; programs 
are likely doing what has been suggested, at least to some extent.  
 
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.  
 
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 t he editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Needs some language corrections before being published  
 
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, eith er 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 interest s? 
 
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 interests.  
 
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 
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to the editors, which will not be published.  
 
I agree to the open peer review policy of the journal