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Article History

Received: 22 April 2024

Accepted: 21 October 2024

First Online: 25 October 2024

Declarations

:

: Several key ethical considerations were paramount to ensure the research was carried out with integrity and respect for participants’ rights and well-being. Participants (guardians) were fully informed about the purpose of the study, provided informed consent, and assured that their personal information would remain confidential, particularly given the sensitive nature of HIV/AIDS. Ethical guidelines were strictly adhered to, ensuring that data was anonymized and securely stored to protect privacy, while the study took care not to reinforce any stigma or discrimination. The voluntary nature of participation was emphasized, and access to psychological support was made available to participants who may have experienced emotional distress during the research. Cultural sensitivity was maintained throughout, respecting local beliefs and practices in Southwest Ethiopia to ensure that the research was culturally appropriate. The principles of beneficence and non-maleficence guided the study, seeking to benefit both the participants and the wider community while minimizing potential harm. Additionally, the study received ethical approval from the Jimma University institutional review board (IRB), ensuring that participants were treated ethically and complied with local and international standards. Paramount throughout the study was the protection of participants’ rights, and the overall structured methodology aimed to produce reliable and insightful findings regarding the lived experiences, perceptions, and challenges faced by youth living with HIV/AIDS (YLWHA) in Southwest Ethiopia.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.