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Article History

Received: 17 June 2025

Accepted: 8 April 2026

First Online: 21 April 2026

Declarations

:

: All procedures performed in the study were in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration. As a part of the Provincial Research grant (2021), the Ethical Review Board (ERB) of Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Nepal, approved the study protocol (Provincial Research Grant-2077/78; contractual service agreement done on 21 March, 2021). Before the field interviews began, the participants were verbally briefed regarding the nature, purpose, and procedures of the study. Informed consent was given by all the study participants; confirmed either by signature or by finger-prints depending upon their literacy status. They had ample opportunity to clarify their doubts. They were also fully aware that they could withdraw their consent any time, without giving any reason. Optimal care was taken to maintain the confidentiality during the interview. One family member was allowed to stay with the participant, if they wished so, throughout the interview process. No remuneration was provided to the participants for their time and contribution to the study.

: Prior to the interview, all the prospective participants were given information regarding the study. The participants, who were literate, read the written information approved by the ethics committee describing the nature and purpose of the study. For those who were illiterate, the field interviewers read the information in the presence of family members. Ample opportunity was provided to the participants to discuss the study. The information sheet clearly mentioned that those who participated in the study also consented that their de-identified information could be utilised for paper publication.

: The authors declare no competing interests.