Predictors and trends of Caesarean section and breastfeeding in the Eastern Mediterranean region: data from the cross-sectional Cyprus Women’s Health Research (COHERE) Initiative

PONE-D-22-23791

Dear Dr. Rahmioglu,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Mona Nabulsi, MD, MS

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

1. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

The manuscript must describe a technically sound piece of scientific research with data that supports the conclusions. Experiments must have been conducted rigorously, with appropriate controls, replication, and sample sizes. The conclusions must be drawn appropriately based on the data presented.

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

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2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

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3. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

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4. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

Please use the space provided to explain your answers to the questions above. You may also include additional comments for the author, including concerns about dual publication, research ethics, or publication ethics. (Please upload your review as an attachment if it exceeds 20,000 characters)

Reviewer #1: The study is well conducted though it has limitations like factors responsible for C- section and others. Data analysis for the qualitative data would have made it stronger. Substantial efforts made on data collection and analysis.

Reviewer #2: The research submitted for review has been done meticulously and keeping the potential concerns in mind. Appropriate statistical analysis tools were used. The variables associated with the research have been largely covered. The language is easy to understand and has clarity.

Reviewer #3: This paper is addressing an important research question relating to the prevalence of C-section deliveries in North Cypress, time trends, and its association with breastfeeding rates. The authors used data from a representative cohort. The statistical analysis is robust with appropriate adjustments for important confounders. The manuscript is well-written, limitations are addressed, and implications for practice well-stated. I recommend acceptance.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: Yes: Dr. Kandarp Mathur

Reviewer #3: Yes: Mona Nabulsi, MD, MS

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