Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Violence against housemaids in an Ethiopian town during the early phase
of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Version: 
1 
Date: 
28 Feb 2022
Reviewer's report:
This paper investigates the issue of violence against women, specifically
housemaids in Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employed
simple random sampling using quantitative methods helped to find that 25% of
housemaids experienced sexual violence and a third experienced physical
violence. This is a critical area of exploration and a I appreciate the authors for
undertaking this study.
I see that this was a revision of a previous submission and that the authors state
they addressed reviewer concerns. However, as a reviewer, it would be helpful to
see the stated reviewer concerns as well as specific answers from the authors to
each of those concerns.
Based on comparisons from the original to the resubmission, as well as a
thorough review of the resubmission, I have a few questions and points of
clarification needed prior to publication.
Abstract
Please state in the abstract whether this was a survey and how this survey was
provided to housemaids.
Introduction
The introduction is well-researched and developed.
Methods
The sample size determination calculation arrow got misplaced in the process, so
just something to check on. I'm not sure also that you need to provide the exact
calculations, but just state the assumptions, non-response rate, and final sample.
On p. 8, under Data Collection Tools and techniques, it states: "the questionnaire
used in your study". Should this be our study?
Was approval received to conduct this study with individuals who were under
the age of 18? Please include any human subjects information.
Results & Discussion.
Good review of the results overall and strengths and limitations. 
Figures & Tables
There are many tables and I'm not sure if you need all of them. For example,
table 1 about the sample size calculation can be described in the text rather than
in a table. Tables should be used when they are the best way to describe the
information.
There are two Table 1s listed as well. Please renumber accordingly and connect
to the text as appropriate.
The second Table 1 for Characteristics can have the last two columns collapsed
into one so that they are expressed as n (%). This same comment extends for
most of the tables. The characteristic tables can also be collapsed into fewer
tables that are slightly longer since they are all n (%).
Please include asterisks for significant associations in Table 6 and the key for
those under the table. This extends to Table 9 as well.
Some of the Tables are out of order. A lot of work needs to be put into reworking
these and reintegrating them into the text.
References
Remember to provide DOIs in full links for each article when available, please.
Some of the references are a little more dated at this point. Try to have
references as the last 5-10 years as much as possible.
Thank you for your attention and time on these changes!
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Declaration of competing interests
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interests, considering the following questions:
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Do you have any non-financial competing interests in relation to this
paper?
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interests' below. If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.
I declare that I have no competing interests.
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
Yes
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
Yes
Is the use of statistics and treatment of uncertainties appropriate?
Yes
Is the presentation of the work clear?
Yes
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes