Document is current

Article History

Received: 13 February 2025

Accepted: 25 August 2025

First Online: 10 September 2025

Declarations

:

: No ethical approval required: This is an observational study. The Gujarat Technological University Research Ethics Committee has confirmed that no ethical approval is required. The research utilized a convenience sampling approach, which involved collecting data from readily available participants without any interventions or manipulations. The study did not involve any vulnerable populations, sensitive topics, or procedures that could pose risks to participants. All data collected were anonymized and did not contain personally identifiable information. This study was reviewed and deemed exempt by our Gujarat Technological University Institutional Review Board. Participation was entirely voluntary, and no incentives were offered. Given these factors, the research fell under the category of exempt research according to institutional guidelines. However, standard ethical principles were still adhered to throughout the study, including obtaining informed consent from participants and ensuring data confidentiality. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants in the study prior to their involvement in the process as a description in the form. This consent process ensured that participants were fully informed about the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, and their rights as research subjects. Participants were provided with detailed information about the study and given the opportunity to ask questions before agreeing to participate. The consent form clearly stated that participation was voluntary and that participants could withdraw from the study at any time. As all participants were over 18 years of age, they were able to provide consent independently without the need for parental or guardian approval.

: In addition to consenting to participate in the study, all participants provided written consent for the publication of the research findings, including any anonymized data or quotations. This consent to publish ensured that participants understood and agreed to the dissemination of the study results in academic journals, conferences, or other public forums. The consent form explicitly stated that all published information would be anonymized to protect participants’ identities. Participants were informed about the potential reach and impact of published research and were given the option to review any direct quotes attributed to them before publication.

: The authors declare no competing interests.