Document is current

Article History

Received: 7 October 2024

Accepted: 7 July 2025

First Online: 29 September 2025

Declarations

:

: This study received Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU) ethics committee clearance, with final ethical approval granted by the Malawi National Commission for Science and Technology (Protocol Number: MNCST/MAGU/012021). The research was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines and regulations set by the Commission. All ethical procedures were followed, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant anonymity and confidentiality, voluntary participation, and secure data handling. Authorisation for the study was also obtained from the Neno District Social Welfare Office and the Neno District Education Manager’s Office, ensuring support and alignment with local administrative and educational authorities. All participants (or their parents/legal guardians in the case of children under 18) provided freely given, informed written consent to participate in the study. Participation was entirely voluntary, and all participants were informed of their right to withdraw at any time without penalty. The consent process included clear information on the purpose of the study, procedures, potential risks and benefits, confidentiality measures, and data use.

: Written informed consent was obtained from all adult participants involved in the study. For participants under the age of 18, informed written consent was obtained from a parent or legal guardian. The consent forms included both consent to participate and consent to publish anonymised data derived from the research.

: The authors declare no competing interests.