Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Women's Experiences of Rectovaginal Fistula: An Ethno - Religious Experience  
 
Version: 0 Date: 05 Jan 2020  
 
Reviewer: Helmer Herren  
 
Revie wer's report:  
 
Congratulations on addressing a topic with great impact on the life of affected women.  The 
summary and introduction seem right to me. The methodology was appropri ated for a 
phenomenological study. I don't see a piece of relevant information in the results about how long 
these women have fistulas. The lack or the delay of access to specialist assistance, in developing 
and poor country, worsening the impact on social  and psychological aspects of affected women. 
The discussion should address the issue of the delay in correcting these fistulas and the 
worsening of social and psychological aspects. The conclusions were matching with objectives 
and seem good.  
 
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.  
 
Unable to a ssess  
 
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.  
 
Not relevant to this manuscript  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quali ty of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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