Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: The role of social media for persons affected by infertility  
 
Version: 0 Date: 04 Feb 2020  
 
Reviewer: Erdinç Sar ıdogan  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
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Dear authors,  
 
In my opinion, this study that evaluated the re lationship between infertility, which is more 
commonly seen than previous periods in nowadays due to increasing marriage age and adverse 
environmental factors, and social media which takes a prominent part in our lives, will contribute 
the current literatu re and be beneficial for couples suffering from infertility. Article is well 
designed. Language is medical English and grammatically appropriate. The title reflects the 
content well. Essential and encouraging information is provided in the abstract. Keywor ds 
conform to medical subject headings. Methods are explained sufficiently except suggestion 1. 
Results are shown by figures and tables. Moreover, statistically significant results are indicated 
in the text again. The limitations of the study are mentioned  in the discussion. Participation of 
men in the survey could empower the quality of the study by varying the results 
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27106090). Results of similar studies are compared in 
the discussion section. I have several suggestio ns (2,3) which may be useful for discussion. I 
recommend  acceptance of this quality article after minor revisions that including followings:  
Suggestion 1: How the number of participants (132) was determined should be explained.  
Suggestion 2: Social media may have adverse effects such as containing recommendations which 
are not based on evidence. Additionally, each patient is managed individually. Therefore, 
managers should be pointed out in the groups that applying nothing should be recommended 
without con sulting to their physicians.  
Suggestion 3: Does the study explain newer things except already known conclusions from 
previous studies (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26584236, 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25954036, 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/29766400) ? If not, powerful and different aspects of the 
study should be stated more clearly (such as covering open ended -essays).  
 
Sincerely.  
 
 
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 w hich controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
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 y ou 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 statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
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