Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Maternal Adaptation of Working Mothers with Infants or Toddlers in South Korea: A Systematic
Review
Version: 
1 
Date: 
23 Feb 2021
Reviewer's report:
This large review of the Korean litterature presents different problems. While a lot of complements were
added to the second version as requested by the reviewers, the paper remains of weakness for international
interest. 
It appears clearly now that the paper has a unique aim that is to explore the Korean situation of working
women. Consequently this review might be interesting for Korean decidors to settle specific actions.
Nevertheless, I am sorry to say that the paper adds new knowledges at the international level to the
question of adaptation of working mothers with infants. 
Secondly the use of statistics in not adequate: 
- 29 regression studies are cited and then results are given on 37 so called quantitative (or observational )
studies but I dont see the correlation coefficients.
- correlations studies do not explained or demonstrated any causal relationships. For example adaptation
of mothers might appear associated with societal support but only because another hidden variable (or
characteristic) is playing. 
- I'm not convinced that the ecological system approach could explain (page 
l0 ) or demonstrate
(conclusion of abstract and page 13, line 55) anything. This approach may underlines the importance of
factors to take in consideration. Other quantitative studies have to be carried out in order to assess among
the different possible variables what are the causal relationships and more determinant for maternal
adaptation. These studies can consider several layers (intrapersonal, microsystem and/or exostystem) and
give interesting results in order to conduct new specific actions.
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use of appropriate controls),
and are the conclusions supported by the evidence presented?
Yes
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
No
Is the use of statistics and treatment of uncertainties appropriate?
No
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manipulation?
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