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Article History

Received: 4 July 2025

Accepted: 6 November 2025

First Online: 9 December 2025

Declarations

: Ethical approval and consent to participate This study was conducted in full adherence to institutional ethical research guidelines and involved interviews that posed no health, psychological, or social risks to participants. No personally identifiable information was collected. According to the circular bearing number ECR/146/Inst/KA/2013/RR-19 and DHR registration number EC/NEW/Inst/2019/374, the study qualifies for exemption from formal ethical approval. As per the guidelines of the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) of Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, non-invasive marketing research studies are exempt from ethical clearance. Therefore, formal ethical approval was not required for this study. Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to participation. Participants were clearly informed about the study’s purpose, the voluntary nature of participation, and their right to withdraw at any stage. Consent was obtained for the collection and use of their responses, with full transparency regarding data storage. Confidentiality and anonymity were maintained throughout the study. All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.

: All authors agree with the publication of the manuscript. No other consents are applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.