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Article History

Received: 12 October 2024

Accepted: 16 May 2025

First Online: 28 May 2025

Declarations

:

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.

: Ethics approval for the study was obtained from the Committee on Human Research, Publication, and Ethics (CHRPE) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) with the approval number CHRPE/AP/221/22. In addition, permission was obtained to facilitate access to the study sites (Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Wa Regional Hospital, and Tamale Teaching Hospital). Approval for Bolgatanga Regional Hospital was granted by the Bolgatanga Regional Health Directorate of Ghana Health Service, at the same time access to Wa Regional Hospital was authorized by the Wa Regional Health Directorate of Ghana Health Service. Authorization to access Tamale Teaching Hospital was obtained from the Research and Development department at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The study was conducted in full accordance with the ethical principles of the declaration of Helsinki, which emphasizes respect for persons and the protection of participants’ right, safety and well-being. In line with these principles, the participants were thoroughly informed about the nature of the study, including its purpose, procedure, potential benefits, and risks. They were given opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns before agreeing to participate. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant, confirming their voluntary agreement to participate in the study. The participants were informed that their participation was voluntary, with no obligation to participate. They were assured of their right to withdraw from the study at any point without any consequences.