Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Alleviating psychological distress associated with a positive cervical
cancer screening result: a randomized control trial
Version: 
0 
Date: 
13 Jul 2020
Reviewer's report:
REVIEWER COMMENTS
1. Overall, this is an important study aimed at evaluating whether the provision
of information through a leaflet would help reduce psychological distress.
However, the authors should address a number of issues raised in the manuscript.
2. Title: This is Ok.
3. Abstract: 
Method: 
What were the inclusion and exclusion criteria?
4. Results: The authors should state the number of women that were finally
analyzed into each group or arm of the study. 
INTRODUCTION
Although it is well written, there are a number of syntax errors, so the manuscript
needs an English language editor.
5. The authors should beef up the justification of their study.
6. METHODS
The authors should state the details of the randomization, blinding and allocation
sequence. How was each achieved?
7. The authors should state the details of the ethical clearance by Ethics and
Research Committee of the hospital where the study was conducted. 
8. What are the secondary outcome measures?
9. How did the authors determine the sample size employed in the study?
10. RESULTS:
11. The authors should state the number of women that were finally analyzed
into each group or arm of the study. 
12. DISCUSSION
The discussion should have begun with the brief summary of the study findings.
13. The authors should discuss the clinical implications of their findings.
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Yes
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.
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 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.
I am able to assess the statistics
Quality of written English
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:
Needs some language corrections before being published
Declaration of competing interests
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following
questions:
1
. 
Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or
salary from an organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially
from the publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future?
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 of the manuscript?
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
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Do you have any other financial competing interests?
6
. 
Do you have any non-financial competing interests in relation to this
paper?
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have no competing
interests' below. If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.
I declare that I have no competing interests
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