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Article History

Received: 14 March 2025

Accepted: 15 September 2025

First Online: 14 October 2025

Declarations

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: The study was conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC) of the School of Public Health (SPH) with the number of P0/2019/001, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, and Tamil Nadu. And oral and digital informed consent was obtained from all participants before inclusion in the study. Prior to initiating blood sample collection, community sensitization meetings were conducted in each village of the Dharmapuri district, specifically targeting the Irula tribal population. These sessions aimed to raise awareness about hepatitis B and C, and to build trust among community members regarding the study’s objectives and procedures. Following these meetings, trained field staff conducted door-to-door visits to provide further explanation and obtain individual written informed consent from participants.Monthly follow-up sensitization efforts were carried out throughout the study period. Field workers received training to respectfully engage participants in discussions on culturally sensitive topics, including sexual behavior, injecting drug use, and other hepatitis risk factors. Efforts were made to address participants’ fears related to hepatitis diagnosis and implications for future health.Blood samples were collected by trained phlebotomists using sterile syringes and stored. Cold chain protocols were maintained during transportation to the laboratory for testing. All procedures for sample collection, storage, and transport adhered strictly to the study protocol and complied with COVID-19 prevention measures.Counselling: That HBsAg-positive participants were individually counselled on their diagnosis, the implications for their health, and prevention strategies for transmission.Referral: That they were referred to the nearest government primary healthcare facility for further diagnostic confirmation, clinical assessment, and management.Follow-up: That efforts were made to ensure they understood the referral process and the importance of treatment care over telephonic call. As a part of this study, we facilitated their access to the healthcare system. This detail underscores our commitment to ethical reciprocity and participant well-being.

: Oral and digital informed consent was obtained from all participants.

: The authors declare no competing interests.