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Article History

Received: 26 August 2025

Revised: 23 March 2026

Accepted: 29 March 2026

First Online: 9 April 2026

Declarations

:

: This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, ensuring the ethical conduct of the research involving human participants, including respect for individuals’ autonomy and dignity, informed consent, safeguarding participants’ rights, and protecting privacy and confidentiality [ ]. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University (CMHS0014/2016). In addition, given the sensitive nature of potential disclosures of sexual abuse, exploitation, or severe harm, participants were informed that if ongoing risk to a child was identified, appropriate referral would be made. The research team established referral contacts with local social affairs offices and community support services of the Dessie City Administration. However, no immediate cases requiring mandatory reporting were identified during data collection. Informed consent was obtained from all parents involved in the study.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.