Reviewer’s report
Title: 
‘Menstruation means impurity’: multilevel interventions are needed to
break the menstrual taboo in Nepal
Version: 
0 
Date: 
05 Jun 2018
Reviewer: 
Shyam Budhathoki
Reviewer's report:
Menstruation means impurity': multilevel interventions needed to break
menstrual taboo in Nepal
Comments to the Authors
General Comments
This is a very relevant topic in menstrual health of women in Nepal. The authors
have presented the case in an interesting way. The title did grab my attention as a
debate article. 
The authors have referred to a 2015 reference for mentioning the legal
provisions of penalty related to the menstruation untouchability practices. I
suggest the authors to look for a reference after August 2017, as this is when the
ACT was formally passed by Government of Nepal 
which criminalises any one
who forces or influences any women to practice the menstruation related
restrictions.
Adding discussions regarding the religious component that is linked with the
practice of menstruation related untouchability would add value to paper. 
Some Suggested references that are worth considering as below.
Dhungana RK. Nepali Hindu women's thorny path to liberation. Journal of
Education and Research. 2014 Mar 11;4(1):39-57.
Crawford M, Menger LM, Kaufman MR. 'This is a natural process': managing
menstrual stigma in Nepal. Culture, health & sexuality. 2014 Apr 21;16(4):426-
39.
Overall, a paper that can benefit with some revisions and be considered for
publication. 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.
Unable to assess
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 assessment in your comments to the editors.
Not relevant to this manuscript
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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