Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title:  Does women's caste make a significant contribution to adolescent pregnancy in Nepal? : A 
study of Dalit and non -Dalit adolescents and young adults in Rupandehi district.  
 
Version: 0 Date: 17 Sep 2017 
 
Reviewer:  Rajendra  Karkee  
 
Reviewer’s report:  
 
Abstract:  
 
Which is appropriate caste or ethnicity; caste and ethnicity? Although both terms are related; 
they can have distinct origins and meanings. I suggest choosing one: Dalit and non -dalit are 
primarily cast based system in Nepal.  
 
 
Introduction:  
 
What is the context of including Erikson de -constructed model in the background? How this is 
related to the problem statement?  
 
 
Methods: What is the caste composition of the study area? It is good to explain the health facility 
setting in 'study design and setting'.  
 
What is the reason behind dividing variables into external and internal because the primary study 
variable is caste/ ethinicity?  
 
How is the wealth index calculated? Principal component analysis would have been good.  
 
In the title, the caste has been posed as Dalit and Non -dalit; but in table with four categories.  
 
Is there any measurement indication of often/sometime drin ks alcohol; goes to movie; or attends 
fair club?  
 
What is the definition of adolescent pregnancy? Is it pregnancy below 18 or 20 years?  
 
 
Discussion:  
 
Why is there contradiction? A comparative discussion is necessary.  
 
In bivariate association, there is associ ation of caste but in multivariate not. What can be the 
reasons need to be discussed.  
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.  
 
Unable to assess  
 
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 
assessme nt 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:  
 
Acceptable  
 
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