Low Uptake of the Second Dose of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Questionary should be included in the MS
---updated detailed report
The MS itself is quite interesting. However I may adress the following comments to include in my evaluation: The introduction part could be improved. The social aspects of the vaccine system should be included. The cost of the vaccine and if it is partially or totally covered by the public health system. The questionary should be included to evaluate the accuracy of the results. It is not clear the methodology when related the ammount of questions, all the girls answered all of them? The discussion should be improved also when regarding the possibilities that arise from the results found. It is clear that cannot be demostrated but the authors should propose some. How is the general knowledge of vaccines in the society? How is the vaccinal coberture for others infections? Is here different? What strategy Could improve the results? Girls of 12 years are prepared to know and evaluate the importance of the vaccine decision?
Author Response
COVER LETTER WITH RESPONSE TO REVIEWER 1 COMMENTS.
This is the cover letter herewith the table that summarises the detailled changes for the editors’ and referees’ approval.
Manuscript title: LOW UPTAKE OF THE SECOND DOSE OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA.
Author: NCHANG’WA NHUMBA
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Manuscript title |
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Abstract |
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Keywords |
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Introduction |
The cost of the vaccine and if it is partially or totally covered by the public health system
The introductiona part could be improved
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Thanks for such comment, the vaccine is given for free by the Government
Thanks, taken care. |
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Methods |
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Results |
What would be the strategies for improving the vaccine uptake in Tanzania and similar countries?
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According to results obtained, factors like awareness and good altitude were found to be independently associated with increased uptake of the vaccine. Therefore, increasing awareness to the community on the importance of this vaccine to adolescent girls and changing peoples’ bad atitude towards HPV vaccine will increasing the vaccination uptake.
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Page 7, on the conclusion part.
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Discussion |
The discussion should be improved |
Has been addressed, thank you! |
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Conclusion |
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References |
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General comments |
How is the vaccinal coberture for others infections? Is here different?
How is the general knowledge of vaccines in the society?
The questionary should be included to evaluate the accuracy of the results |
The vaccinal corbeture is different for other infections. This could be due to recently introduction of HPV vaccine in the country.The vaccine itself and the disease it prevents is also believed to be one among the factors promoting sexual prostitute to young girls.
The general knowledge is inadequate to the society especially for HPV vaccine.
Already included |
Appendix 1 |
Reviewer 2 Report
Well written.
It is not clear whetherbthe vaccine is given freebby the Government or it is available for purchase only. Please clarify.
It is not clear how the households were classified into economic groups. Please clarify. Is the sample represntative of the country's economic groups? Please clarify.
Can you supplement or substitute the tables with graphs or figures? This will render it easier to understand.
Would the sample be representative of the whole country? How would it represent?
Is there a rural/urban divide in Tanzania?
What would be the solutions for increasing the vaccine uptake in Tanzania and similar countries? Would a single dose be sufficient?
How many girls fall outside the 9 to 14 year group in the districts or schools covered? Do older girls have better adherence?
A few spelling mistakes need correction tructuted for structured.
Author Response
COVER LETTER WITH RESPONSE TO REVIEWER 2 COMMENTS
This is the cover letter herewith the table that summarises the detailled changes according to second reviewers’ comments.
Manuscript title: LOW UPTAKE OF THE SECOND DOSE OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA.
Author: NCHANG’WA NHUMBA
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S/N |
Manuscripts’ Section |
Comments from the Reviewer |
Authors’ response |
Page No. where changes have been made |
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1 |
Manuscript title |
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2 |
Abstract |
Spelling mistakes, tructured for structured |
Thanks for such observation, It’s corrected |
1 |
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3 |
Keywords |
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4 |
Introduction |
Not clear whether the vaccine is given free by the Government.
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Thanks for such comment, the vaccine is given for free by the Government
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2
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5 |
Methods |
Not clear how the households were classified into economic group
Would the sample be representative of the whole country? How would it represent?
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Noted, and has been addressed. Thank you so much.
The study design was a cross-sectional that limits in making causal inference between outcome and independent variable
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Results |
What would be the solutions for increasing the vaccine uptake in Tanzania and similar countries?
Can you supplement or substitute the tables with graphs or figures? This will render it easier to understand |
According to results obtained, factors like awareness and good altitude were found to be independently associated with increased uptake of the vaccine. Therefore, increasing awareness to the community on the importance of this vaccine to youg girls and changing peoples’ bad atitude towards HPV vaccine will increasing the vaccine uptake.
Yes, suplemented with a table for uptake level of HPV vaccines. |
Page 7, on the conclusion part.
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Discussion |
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Conclusion |
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References |
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General comments |
Is there a rural/urban divide in Tanzania
Would a single dose be sufficient?
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Yes, it is! Our study was conducted in urban region Ilala, Dar es salaam city
Single dose is not sufficient according to WHO recommendation, though some studies have shown that a single dose can as well be sufficient for prevention of cervical cancer. Still under study
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Page 1, On introductory part, second last paragraph
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