Document is current

Article History

Received: 5 January 2021

Accepted: 28 February 2022

First Online: 17 March 2022

Declarations

:

: The study was conducted in conformity with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki – ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects<b>.</b>Ethical approval was granted by the Maseno University Ethics Review Board in Kenya (IRB number MSU/DRPI/MUERC/00344/16). All instruments were anonymously self-administered in a group in a classroom. This approach was a logistical way to reach large numbers who had limited time because of their studies. This kind of administration had been approved by the IRB. The trained research assistant who had a certificate in research ethics explained to the group the nature of the study, that it was anonymous, completely voluntary, could withdraw anytime without any loss of benefits and no risks except possible emotional pain as they went through the questions. If that happened they could see the already trained community health service providers. It was explained to them that by agreeing to complete the tool it was taken as the consent for those over 18 years and assent for those under 18 years. However, for those under 18 years, we had taken informed written consent from the parents/guardians during the community mobilization for the parents/guardians to allow their school going children to go to data collection points.

: Not applicable.

: None.