Reviewer’ s report
Title: Intimate partner violence against women and its association with pregnancy loss in
Ethiopia: Evidence from a national survey
Version: 0Date: 30 Mar 2020
Reviewer: Justice Moses K. Aheto
Reviewer's report:
Tiruye and colleagues examined the association between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and
pregnancy loss using data from the 2016 Ethiopian DHS. Studies of this nature are critical forinformed public health policy/intervention. Generally, the manuscript was well written and attemptto address an important public health issue in developing countries like Ethiopia.See more details below:
Introduction:
a)The background to the study sounds good. However, the authors could briefly explain what hasbeen done so far by the Ethiopian government, NGOs and other individuals to address the problemof IPV in Ethiopia, and why the problem persists.Methods:b)The methods employed by the authors in the analysis of the data appears good.c)However, the authors failed to adjust for the sampling weights in their analyses (see the Dataprocessing and analysis section) and this could critically bias their estimates and its resultantmisleading conclusions/findings. In all DHS globally, sampling weights are used to adjust for the
complex sampling procedures, and the authors must take this into account. Presently, the model
estimates and summary statistics were all based on unweighted analysis. The authors shouldconsider revising the analysis to take the sampling weights into account.d)The study could explore residual cluster (community) -level effects on pregnancy loss since theDHS data sets are hierarchical in nature. For example, women nested within clusters/communities.
Results:
e)The results presented appears fine BUT the issues raised in 'c and d' under methods should beconsidered to improve the results for this section.Discussion and conclusion:f)Overall, the results are discussed in a way that support the data. There is the need to focus on keyfindings to sustain the readers interest.
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.
YesAre 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 furtherassessment in your comments to the editors.
I am able to assess the statisticsQuality of written English
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:
AcceptableDeclaration of competing interests
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