Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: The Cedar Project: Using Indigenous -Specific Determinants of He alth to Predict 
Substance Use among Young Pregnant -Involved Indigenous Women in Canada  
 
Version: 0 Date: 15 Jan 2017  
 
Reviewer: Edle Ravndal  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
The objective of the study is "to describe the social context of pregnant -involved young 
Aboriginal women, who uses substances and to explore whether or not an Indigenous -Specific 
Determinants of Health Model can predict substance use among this population". The objective 
is important but quite ambitious. Since the total sample consists of 3 different populations it 
makes the analyses that are complicated in themselves eve n more complicated. Even if the 
methods are well described, I really don't know what comes out of all the analyses, except that 
the conclusion is that the ILCDS Model is not fully supported.  
Perhaps it would be better in the first round just to give good descriptions of the 3 different 
populations, explore what they have in common, and try to highlight in what areas they need 
more specific help?  
I also question how the dependent substance use variables are defined into heavy/light use, 
especially that lig ht drug use was defined as using less than daily.  
Throughout the paper there is an in -consequent use of marking sub -headings in italics and 
underlining.  
The English should be worked on - especially when using terms as: pregnant -involved, survival 
sex, ac cessing a social worker, counselor etc.  
In the paper 6 tables and 1 figure are included, which are too many tables, and sometimes also 
are difficult to read.  
All references are not written identical in the paper, and it is problematic to present referen ces 
with no authors, just "Anonymous".  
I also question the length of the paper and think it would profit from being shorter.  
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 nece ssary 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.  
 
No 
 
Are you able to assess any s tatistics 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.  
 
I am able to assess the stat istics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Needs some language corrections before being published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
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