Title: The Experiences of Fertility Concerns in Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease of
Childbearing Age: A descriptive Qualitative study
Version: 0 Date: 04 Apr 2025
Reviewer's report:
This manuscript discusses the experiences of fertility concerns in women with IBD. The
manuscript's strengths include its concise and objective language, and the discussion points are
easy to follow and reflect the research objective. However, the study has some weaknesses, such
as a lack of clarity in certain areas (e.g., references to previous research, critical information
needed in the methods section, and further details in the discussion and limitations).
Abstract
Introduction:
In the fragment “Currently, there is a dearth of research that delves into the fertility concerns
of female IBD patients, with existing studies predominantly focusing on surface-level surveys
rather than exploring the genuine experiences of fertility-related anxieties,” I suggest the authors
include references and expand on what was explored in those surface-level surveys. Why are
these considered surface-level surveys? Could you please explain the knowledge gap based on
the literature?
In the fragment “The study aims to deeply understand the fertility service needs of this
demographic and also provides evidence to inform the development of precise interventions
and informational support strategies tailored to their needs,” I recommend removing the word
“deeply.”
Methods:
In the fragment “Exclusion criteria included patients with severe life-threatening conditions or
those with mental illnesses,” why exclude people with mental illness? Many people worldwide
have mental illnesses, and IBD is closely linked to anxiety and depression. Perhaps the wording
in this sentence needs review.
I could not understand why snowball sampling was applied if patients were approached in the
hospital. Could you please clarify?
Discussion:
It would be interesting if the authors presented a table or figure on truths and myths about IBD
medication as it relates to pregnancy and fertility. Alternatively, at least discuss the truths and
myths in this context.
Limitations:
I encourage the authors to mention the potential bias of having healthcare professionals recruit,
organize the study, and interview participants, if that was the case.
Title: The Experiences of Fertility Concerns in Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease of
Childbearing Age: A descriptive Qualitative study
Version: 0 Date: 04 Apr 2025
Reviewer's report:
This manuscript discusses the experiences of fertility concerns in women with IBD. The
manuscript's strengths include its concise and objective language, and the discussion points are
easy to follow and reflect the research objective. However, the study has some weaknesses, such
as a lack of clarity in certain areas (e.g., references to previous research, critical information
needed in the methods section, and further details in the discussion and limitations).
Abstract
Introduction:
In the fragment “Currently, there is a dearth of research that delves into the fertility concerns
of female IBD patients, with existing studies predominantly focusing on surface-level surveys
rather than exploring the genuine experiences of fertility-related anxieties,” I suggest the authors
include references and expand on what was explored in those surface-level surveys. Why are
these considered surface-level surveys? Could you please explain the knowledge gap based on
the literature?
In the fragment “The study aims to deeply understand the fertility service needs of this
demographic and also provides evidence to inform the development of precise interventions
and informational support strategies tailored to their needs,” I recommend removing the word
“deeply.”
Methods:
In the fragment “Exclusion criteria included patients with severe life-threatening conditions or
those with mental illnesses,” why exclude people with mental illness? Many people worldwide
have mental illnesses, and IBD is closely linked to anxiety and depression. Perhaps the wording
in this sentence needs review.
I could not understand why snowball sampling was applied if patients were approached in the
hospital. Could you please clarify?
Discussion:
It would be interesting if the authors presented a table or figure on truths and myths about IBD
medication as it relates to pregnancy and fertility. Alternatively, at least discuss the truths and
myths in this context.
Limitations:
I encourage the authors to mention the potential bias of having healthcare professionals recruit,
organize the study, and interview participants, if that was the case.
Please review this paper.
user
Title: The Experiences of Fertility Concerns in Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease of
Childbearing Age: A descriptive Qualitative study
Version: 0 Date: 04 Apr 2025
Reviewer's report:
This manuscript discusses the experiences of fertility concerns in women with IBD. The
manuscript's strengths include its concise and objective language, and the discussion points are
easy to follow and reflect the research objective. However, the study has some weaknesses, such
as a lack of clarity in certain areas (e.g., references to previous research, critical information
needed in the methods section, and further details in the discussion and limitations).
Abstract
Introduction:
In the fragment “Currently, there is a dearth of research that delves into the fertility concerns
of female IBD patients, with existing studies predominantly focusing on surface-level surveys
rather than exploring the genuine experiences of fertility-related anxieties,” I suggest the authors
include references and expand on what was explored in those surface-level surveys. Why are
these considered surface-level surveys? Could you please explain the knowledge gap based on
the literature?
In the fragment “The study aims to deeply understand the fertility service needs of this
demographic and also provides evidence to inform the development of precise interventions
and informational support strategies tailored to their needs,” I recommend removing the word
“deeply.”
Methods:
In the fragment “Exclusion criteria included patients with severe life-threatening conditions or
those with mental illnesses,” why exclude people with mental illness? Many people worldwide
have mental illnesses, and IBD is closely linked to anxiety and depression. Perhaps the wording
in this sentence needs review.
I could not understand why snowball sampling was applied if patients were approached in the
hospital. Could you please clarify?
Discussion:
It would be interesting if the authors presented a table or figure on truths and myths about IBD
medication as it relates to pregnancy and fertility. Alternatively, at least discuss the truths and
myths in this context.
Limitations:
I encourage the authors to mention the potential bias of having healthcare professionals recruit,
organize the study, and interview participants, if that was the case.
assistant