Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title:  'I STAYED WITH MY ILLNESS': A GROUNDED THEORY STUDY OF HEALTH 
SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AND TREATMENT PATHWAYS OF PATIENTS WITH 
OBSTETRIC FISTULA IN KENYA.  
 
Version: 0 Date: 28 Apr 2017 
 
Reviewer:  Lillian  Mwanri  
 
Reviewer’s report:  
 
Overall, the paper is well written. However, the discussion section from page 14 -16 will need 
references to support your assertions.  
 
 
The content and context  
 
The paper adds significant insight to the body of knowledge including:  
 
  - is cascades of pathways/navigation that women with obstetric fistula endure  
 
  - a call to recognising obstetric fistula chronic illness  
 
  - the health seeking composite pathway is well thought of.  A three D presentation makes it a 
bit messy - Could rem ove the three D effect and present it in simple lines and boxes.  
 
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 
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:  
 
Acceptable  
 
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, either 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 interests?  
 
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 de clare 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  
 
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