Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Women's Experiences of Rectovaginal Fistula: An Ethno - Religious Experience  
 
Version: 4 Date: 05 May 2020  
 
Reviewer: Helmer Herren  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
I read the study again and saw that some changes were made, making the study more suitable for 
publication. I think that studies based on phenomenology are fundamental in the humanities and 
social sciences, but in the field of medicine, they do not provide statistica l data that are 
fundamental to clarify some questions of the study and may be less attractive to medical 
professionals. However, the positive aspects are that this type of study allows clarifying hidden 
and lesser -known aspects of rectovaginal fistulas. In  addition, the topic is very important and 
deserves greater disclosure of the situation of these women in poor and developing countries.  
 
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 a ssess  
 
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 quali ty of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this  
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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 o f the  
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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?  
 
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below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
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