Document is current

Article History

Received: 12 March 2025

Accepted: 13 September 2025

First Online: 20 October 2025

Declarations

:

: This study received ethical approval from the Mulago Hospital Research Ethics Committee (MHREC 2812) and adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki , supplemented by context-specific safeguards to address local ethical considerations. Prior to implementation, we engaged community leaders and held stakeholder consultations to align study protocols with cultural norms and ensure equitable participation. Written informed consent was obtained using forms translated into Acholi language, with an impartial witness verifying oral consent for participants with limited literacy. Confidentiality was maintained through anonymized data collection in private settings, secure storage on encrypted and password-protected systems, and restricted access to physical records in locked cabinets. These measures were designed not only to meet international standards but also to address the unique socio-cultural and logistical challenges of conducting research in Acholi sub-region.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.