Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title:  Self-collection based HPV testing for cervical cancer screening among women living with 
HIV in Uganda: A descriptive analysis of knowledge, intentions to screen and factors associated 
with HPV positivity  
 
Version: 0 Date: 07 Jul 2016 
 
Reviewer:  Deanna  Kepka  
 
Reviewer’s report:  
 
This is a well -written, timely, and important paper. It highlights the need for improved public 
health education around increased risk for HPV infection and cervical cancer among WHIV and 
strategies to improve HPV detection via self -collection among high r isk patient populations such 
as WHIV. I only have a few minor issues.  
 
1. In the abstract, include the percent of women who had never heard of cervical cancer.  
 
2. In the discussion section, please describe what is meant by "the role of oral contraceptive s on 
HPV positivity is dynamic" (lines 18 -20). This was unclear and needs additional detail.  
 
3. For table 1, the number missing for the item "Ever had sexual intercourse" should be listed.  
 
4. For table 2, could participants choose more than one response option for what they believe 
causes cervical cancer? Clarification is needed here.  
 
5. The number of participants who have heard of HPV is alarmingly low. This should be 
highlighted in greater detail in the discussion. How should this further inform interv ention 
development and design among WHIV?  
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, pl ease 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 t he 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:  
 
Acceptable  
 
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 publica tion 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. Do you have any other fin ancial 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 detail s below.  
 
None  
 
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