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Article History

Received: 17 October 2024

Accepted: 3 March 2025

First Online: 26 March 2025

Declarations

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: Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Research Centre at the Arab Open University—Bahrain. The study adhered to the ethical principles outlined in the IRB-HSBS Informed Consent Guidelines of the Arab Open University—Bahrain. The study exclusively involved data collection from students enrolled in private higher educational institutes of GCC countries. Prior to their participation, all individuals were furnished with a comprehensive information sheet that outlined the purpose and details of the research. Participation in the study was entirely voluntary, and individuals were asked to complete the questionnaire only after they had thoroughly reviewed the information sheet and had any questions or concerns addressed. We stress the importance of informed consent, ensuring that all participants were fully aware of the study's objectives and their voluntary role in contributing to this research. All participants were exclusively students above 18 years from private universities in GCC.

: This study employed a written informed consent form, included at the beginning of the questionnaire, which all participants signed. Participants were exclusively Students from private universities in GCC. Before participating, each individual received a comprehensive information sheet detailing the research purpose and methods. Participation was entirely voluntary, and individuals were asked to complete the questionnaire only after carefully reviewing the information sheet and having any questions or concerns addressed. This process ensured informed consent, guaranteeing that all participants fully understood the study's objectives and their voluntary contribution to the research.

: The authors declare no competing interests.