Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Impact of health talks on knowledge, attitudes and perception of breast
cancer screening and treatment amongst healthcare staff by a Breast Surgical
Unit in a Public Healthcare Institution - a cross sectional study
Version: 
0 
Date: 
16 Feb 2021
Reviewer's report:
The manuscript refers to an experimental before / after procedure investigation
aimed at verifying the competence of professional hospital listeners about breast
cancer. The manuscript structurally meets the aspects recommended by the
journal in a clear, objective and technical language.
The authors present a study whose justification and relevance characterize the
importance of the study and actions aimed at health information.
About the method it is necessary to characterize some points, which can be better
detailed and thus bring the reader qualified information.
The instrument used could have validity and precision studies on its content,
since such aspects weigh heavily on the results (even more with discrepancies as
nurses having not very expressive results). In this way it is possible to estimate
whether the results are compatible with the previous knowledge of the group or
its modification, but without the effect of compromising the instrument. It is not
evident how the authors used the use of scores for the items of the instrument
due to the absence of previous psychometric elements. It is strongly suggested to
characterize them, given the weight they can have for the results.
The statistical analysis employed is based on the results and adequate to meet the
objectives. However, there is a need to clarify the conversion of the instrument
item scores to justify its use.
The results call the attention of the reader especially on level of education and
professional activity, but before characterizing it as due to the group, one must
eliminate uncertainty from the instrument. It presents the suggestion to keep only
Figure 1. Analysis of knowledge scores pre- and post-talk.
The reviewer believes that the present manuscript is an important material for
the professional training of employees in the hospital environment, as well as its
impact on society.
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
Yes
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
Yes
Is the use of statistics and treatment of uncertainties appropriate?
Yes
Is the presentation of the work clear?
No
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes