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Article History

Received: 28 February 2025

Accepted: 26 May 2025

First Online: 29 May 2025

Declarations

:

: This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki, and ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the University of Gondar (Ref. number V/P/RCS/05/839/2021) and Amhara Public Health Institute (Ref. number 03/1363) before the actual data collection. Written permission to conduct the study was obtained from Bahir Dar, Gondar, Debre Markos, and Dessie town health offices. Then, a support letter was written to health institutions to obtain permission for the data collection process. Written informed assent and consent were obtained from the participants and their parents or guardians. Study participants were told that their participation was entirely voluntary and that they had the right to withdraw from the study at any moment. Anonymity and confidentiality concerns were also addressed. All study participants’ results were promptly shared with their clinicians so that the proper course of action could be taken.

: Not applicable.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.