Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Socio -demographic and behavioural profile of women in polygamous relationships in 
South Africa: a retrospective analysis of the 2002 population -based household survey data  
 
Version: 0 Date: 13 May 2018  
 
Reviewer: George Owino  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
Generally, the paper addresses an area of study that is relevant given the evidence that links HIV 
infections with multiple sexual partners. Understanding the characteristics and beha viours of 
women in polygamous unions can provide useful insights in policy and programmatic action. 
Moreover, polygamy has received attention in some African countries such as Kenya where the 
practice is being seen as a solution to a perceived deficiency o f husbands. Polygamy is thus 
being thrust into a regional if not a continental dialogue.  
 
Abstract page 3  
Edit Line 41, changing the word 'need' to needed  
Line 44 revise by adding the word 'as' between 'such' and 'urbanization'.  
 
Background  
Check grammatica l errors in page 4 line 29, page 5 line 10, 17, and 32. In general, effect 
editorial changes.  
 
Methods of Data Collection  
The author needs to perform corrections for grammatical errors on page 5 line 44 -46 
Clarify the variable on localities/areas where the study covered. They do not seem to be well 
categorized and do not tally with the information on Table 1.  
Review the way all the variables have been defined and ensure harmony. For instance, Page 6 
Line 27  yes=1 and no=0.  
Page 7 line 24, revise that sentence to read 'variables with statistically significant differences' or 
something like that.  
Page 7 line29, delete the word 'polygamy' before the word 'polygamous'.  
Page 7 line 49 figure 1 'shows' not 'show'.  
 
Results  
This p value on sexual partner within 5 years older or younger [OR=0.10 (95% CI: 0.01 -0.94),  
p=0.044]. Is not correct. It should be 0.032  
Check the accuracy of the figures on all your Tables.  
The age category 15 -24 does not seem to have frequenci es or members. If this is so, it would be 
advisable to exclude that category as it would not be useful to the analysis.  
Confirm whether the locality type in Table 1 Page 15 line 51 -56 is consistent with the description 
in the methods section.  
 
Discussion  
The paragraph on Page 9 Line 53 -59 is not clear. Please revise to make it read clearly.  
In Page 10 Line 59, the second sentence seems to make a statement of fact - "often when wives 
are too many they have clandestine affairs…" this is a very emphatic stateme nt that requires 
substantiation in the absence of which it needs to be revised.  
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 necessa ry 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 st atistics 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 statisti cs 
 
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 followi ng 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 o f 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 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 i nterests.  
 
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on my report to the authors and, if the manuscript is accepted for publication, my named report  
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