Title: Examining access to benefits and quality sterilization services among Muslim women in
India
Version: 2 Date: 23 Sep 2023
Reviewer's report:
The author examined the status of benefits and quality of family planning services among Indian
Muslims based on the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (2019–2021), which
is interesting. I appreciate the researcher’s efforts to contextualize such research. The research
is well written but needs major revision before publication. The point-by-point comments and
suggestions given below
Introduction section:
Clarify the focus on Muslims and the role of religion in family planning: Rewrite the introduction
to clearly explain why the author is focusing on Muslims and how religion relates to the
contraceptive method mix. Please follow following article
https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-022-01706-0
Incorporate myths and realities: Add a section that discusses common myths and realities related
to Muslims and family planning, referencing the suggested sources. This will provide context
and make the introduction more comprehensive.
Please read following literatures-
https://www.amazon.in/POPULATION-MYTH-FAMILY-PLANNING-POLITICS/
dp/9390351545
Bhagat, R. B. (2015, November). Transition in Hindu and Muslim Population Growth Rates:
Myth and Reality. In National Seminar on ‘Religious Demography of India: Myths and Realities’
organised by Centre for Culture and Development, Vadodara.
Review existing literature: Dedicate a paragraph to summarizing existing literature related to
religion, family planning quality, and benefits in India (within at least 400 words). Explain how
your study contributes something new compared to previous research.
Method section:
Address sample selection bias: If authors used a segment of the total population, acknowledge
the possibility of sample selection bias and discuss how it might affect the results. Mention the
suggestion to use a Heckman sample selection bias model if relevant.
Present background of the study population: Provide a brief description of the study population
for both Muslims and Hindus to highlight the socioeconomic differences based on religion. This
will add depth to the method section.
Consider a different statistical model: If appropriate, justify the use of the logistic model for
assessing quality and suggest why an ordered logit model might be more suitable.
Results section:
Add a table on compensation for sterilization: Include a table showing the percentage distribution
of women receiving compensation for sterilization, along with the results of the chi-square test.
This will enhance the presentation of the data.
Clarify table titles: Review and ensure that the titles of Table 2 and Table 3 are distinct, making
it clear what each table represents. Double-check for consistency.
Check for multicollinearity: Mention whether multicollinearity was assessed before conducting
multivariate logistic regression and briefly discuss the results if relevant.
Discussion section:
Reorganize the discussion: Restructure the discussion section to focus on major findings and
provide possible explanations. Address the contradiction between Tables 2 and 3 regarding the
association between religion and compensation for sterilization. Explore possible reasons for
this discrepancy.
Author should add How your study findings similar or dissimilar with previous study in the
discussion section. Don’t only focuses on issues, try to focus on also the progress in family
planning benefits and quality.
The education attainment found to be negatively associated with compensation in your study.
What the possible explanations are.
Minor comments:
Scholarly writing style: Reframe the content to have a more scholarly tone and structure. Ensure
that the paper follows a clear academic format.
Grammar and style: Carefully proofread the paper to correct grammatical errors and ensure a
consistent writing style throughout.
Reference style: Revise the reference style to match the journal's guidelines or the preferred
citation style, such as APA or MLA.
After revising the paper according to these suggestions, it should be better prepared for
publication or further review. It's crucial to maintain clarity, consistency, and academic rigor
throughout the paper.