Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Magnitude, trends and causes of maternal mortality a mong reproductive aged women in 
Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Eastern Ethiopia  
 
Version: 3 Date: 22 Sep 2018  
 
Reviewer: Marie Hélène Bouvier -Colle  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
Once again I disagree with presenting the Mmrate among general findings (p6, l60). I understand 
that the authors needed it to calculate their life time ri sk, but  
 
1stly) the proportion of maternal deaths among female deaths is obviously sufficient to get an 
idea of how important is the weight of maternity in the female population life ; moreover it might 
be compared with those of other countries or periods ; 
 
2ndly) the authors did not comment the Mmrate in the discussion  
 
Are the methods appropriate and w ell 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.  
 
No 
 
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 rec ommended, 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  
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