Document is current

Article History

Received: 13 March 2025

Accepted: 1 July 2026

First Online: 9 July 2026

Declarations

:

: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Gondar under the reference number VP/RTT/Eng./051/61/2021. We have also secured approval from the relevant health authorities. All methods adhered to IRB regulations and the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. Before obtaining their written consent, we ensured all participants were fully informed about the study’s scope, potential benefits, and risks. Privacy and confidentiality measures were strictly adhered to, and participants were notified of their right to withdraw at any time without consequence. The participants were told they had the right to withdraw from the study at any time. For participants who exhibited significant symptoms of CMD, our protocol included assessment by mental health professionals and, where required, referrals to Gondar University Referral Hospital. Simultaneously, any neonates born with low birth weight were immediately referred to the local health extension worker for further essential newborn care and thermal stabilization.

: Not Applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.