Document is current

Article History

Received: 1 April 2025

Accepted: 24 November 2025

First Online: 6 December 2025

Declarations

:

: Ethical approval for this research was obtained from the Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujub Medical University, registration number 793, prior to initiating data collection. Informed consent was obtained from all participants after providing them with detailed information about the study’s objectives, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. Ethical clearance for the research was obtained from the BSMMU as part of a larger initiative titled ’Size Estimation of Key Population in Bangladesh for HIV Programs’. This project is a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions, including the University of Dhaka, North South University, and BSMMU. The present study constitutes a specific component of this broader project, with the University of Dhaka taking the lead in its execution. The research adheres to ethical standards and is conducted in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the participating institutions and the national authorities overseeing HIV-related public health initiatives. Informed verbal consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection. Participants were briefed on the objectives, procedures, risks, and their rights, including the right to withdraw at any time. Participation was voluntary, and all responses were kept anonymous and confidential.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare that there is a potential Conflict of interest. Author Ahmed Hossain is in the editorial board of the journal.