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Article History

Received: 4 August 2025

Accepted: 2 March 2026

First Online: 8 April 2026

Declarations

:

: We conducted the study adhering to the ethical standards of conducting research with human participants, in line with the declaration of Helsinki. The study was approved the Institutional Human Ethics Committee at the Central University of Kerala (CUK/IHEC/2024/D/016). Digital files were stored in encrypted computer and hardcopies were stored in lock and key under primary author’s custody. The survey and interviews were conducted with a strong emphasis on participant welfare. Interview locations were selected with great care to ensure the sense of security and comfort for the participants. A constant availability of counselor was ensured throughout the study to support the participants with emotional distress. Participants who reported experiencing thoughts of self-harm on several days during the past two weeks were sensitively informed about available mental health support options like the TeleMANAS toll-free helpline, mental health services at the district headquarters, and the Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Kashmir. Additionally, collaborations were built with the psychiatric facilities of a medical college hospital in the region and the participates with severe symptoms were offered referral support.

: Participation was voluntary, and all participants provided informed consent before taking part in the study. Informed consent was also obtained for audio recording of the interviews. Privacy and confidentiality of the study participants was ensured at all the stages. The survey sheets and interview transcripts were anonymized by using alphanumeric codes.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.