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Article History

Received: 21 September 2024

Accepted: 2 May 2025

First Online: 8 May 2025

Declarations

:

: This study followed the Helsinki Declaration and its revisions for research ethics. Approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR-IRB), which oversees research protocols from NMIMR, University of Ghana’s Schools and Colleges, and affiliated entities (IRB reference No. IRB 00001276). Participants received an information sheet outlining the study’s objectives, their role, confidentiality assurances, and their right to autonomy. They accessed the questionnaire only after providing informed consent by selecting the acceptance button on the consent page. No personal details like names, phone numbers, or email addresses were collected. Instead, respondents were provided with the researchers’ contact details. Data is currently securely stored in Google Drive and will be destroyed 5 years after collection as required by law. The study posed minimal risk, requiring the use of less than 20 MB of internet data to complete the online questionnaire. No rewards or compensation were provided to participants.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.