Title: Insufficient Knowledge of Human Papilloma Virus among Reproductive-Aged Women
from Arak, Iran
Version: 5 Date: 16 Jul 2024
Reviewer:  Marco la Verde
Reviewer's report:
Dear Authors,
I reviewed your manuscript entitled "Insufficient Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus among
Reproductive-Aged Women from Arak, Iran." This is an important public health issue and
has shed light on how many women in a particular geographical area lack proper knowledge
regarding HPV. Overall, the writing is good; the findings are relevant and pertain to just minor
revisions that might be needed to increase clarity and impact. The following are some detailed
suggestions toward its improvement:
Abstract:
This abstract has to be concise and at the same time informative. Stating the exact number
of participants seen, which is 400, will also be very good. Stating clearly its findings
notwithstanding, citing, for instance, the percentage of women who reported insufficient
knowledge of either HPV or the vaccine will also help.
Introduction:
This, however, is a nice introduction with a problem statement that will benefit from updating
the statistics of HPV prevalence and rates of cervical cancer in Iran.
At the end of the introduction, clearly mention the purpose. The current research is therefore
aimed at determining the level of knowledge about HPV and its vaccination amongst women
of childbearing age in Arak, Iran.
In addition, on line 90, I suggest to cite novel articles about the HPV vaccination:
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.909223
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58070860
Methods:
In the "Study design and participants setting" section, he can increase the description of the
random sampling that would be used in picking subjects from health service centers.
This will ensure that the code for ethical approval is duly and consistently formatted within the
document.
Under data collection, the researcher has mentioned that he used a researcher-made
questionnaire. Add information regarding its development, pilot testing, or procedures of
validation.
Results:
The results leap out, although perhaps including more tables in which key PROFILE findings
are summarized—that is, knowledge scores based on demographic characteristics—would have
further clarified the transparency and accessibility of data.
Rather than saying "statistically significant," include the exact p-values of tests in the results
section to be more specific in this kind of analysis.
Discussion:
The discussion section is thoughtfully done, though it could be improved a bit by the inclusion
of more comparisons to similar studies conducted in other regions/countries.
Such findings must be underscored, if not emphasized, with regard to their broader implications
on public health policy and educational programs within Iran.
Note all possible biases or limitations of the present research; for example, things like self-
reported data and regional focus of this study with respect to possible general application, and
specify how they could be improved in future studies.
Conclusion: This conclusion is quite strong but may be stronger with further supporting
sentences, perhaps by reiteration of the need for HPV vaccination programs or even some
specific actions to be called for from policymakers or healthcare providers. The study's findings
can also be used to present any future research directions or recommendations.
Conclusion: This paper importantly contributes toward filling the prevailing gaps in knowledge
of HPV and its vaccination amongst women in Arak, Iran. Discussions respond to minor
revisions indicated above, although clarity of articulation, impact, and readability issues would
be hugely improved. Regards,