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Article History

Received: 10 September 2022

Accepted: 19 April 2023

First Online: 10 May 2023

Declarations

:

: All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. A survey questionnaire was used for data collection, wherein the identity of the respondent remained anonymous. As such, a formal informed consent was not necessary since the act of answering the questionnaire expressed consent from the participant. The study protocol, research tool, including the ‘waiver of informed consent documentation’ were reviewed and approved by the University of the Philippines Manila’s Review Ethics Board, with code UPMREB 2021-0673-01. Since all participants were 18 years old and above, they did not need the consent of a guardian. An introductory letter at the beginning of the questionnaire provided the participant about the necessary information regarding the study like the research objectives, benefits to the participant, anonymity, expected time for their participation, utilization of data gathered, contact information of the researchers, etc. Thus, the privacy and autonomy of the participant were ensured, as well as respect of the rights of the individual. The letter likewise indicated that <i>participation is voluntary and continuing to answer the survey is an expression of consent</i>. (Please see ‘waiver of informed consent documentation’ in #13 under the section ‘ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH’ in the <i>National Ethical Guidelines</i> located through this link:).

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.