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Article History

Received: 5 December 2024

Accepted: 17 April 2025

First Online: 30 September 2025

Declarations

:

: The authors declare no competing interests.

: Before the start of data collection, all authors (Assefa Kebad Mengesha, Melshew Fenta Misker, and Solomon Asmamaw Tadesse) requested ethical clearances and obtained them from the ethical review committees of the University of Gondar, the University of Jimma, and the University of Hawasa School of Pharmacies. The ethical clearance numbers are as follows: UOG/SOP/2023/001, (JU/SOP/2023/002), and (HU/SOP/2023/003). Each study participant provided written informed consent. The participants acknowledged that they could withdraw from the study at any time. The responses were kept anonymous and confidential, ensuring that data collection was conducted in a manner that preserved participant privacy. To protect confidentiality, all identifying information was removed from the collected data, and responses were stored in a secured, password-protected database accessible only to authorized research personnel. Hard copies of consent forms were stored separately from survey responses to prevent any linkage between participants and their data. Additionally, data was anonymized before analysis to further safeguard privacy. Given the sensitive nature of mental health topics, informed consent was carefully obtained by providing participants with a detailed explanation of the study’s purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. They were encouraged to ask questions before signing the consent form. Participants were reassured that their decision to participate or withdraw at any time would not affect their academic standing or access to institutional resources. To mitigate any psychological distress arising from survey participation, students were provided with contact information for mental health support services available at their respective universities. Additionally, a trained faculty member was designated to offer support and referrals if participants experienced any emotional discomfort. All methods were performed by the relevant guidelines and regulations of the Helsinki Declaration68.