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Article History

Received: 23 October 2024

Accepted: 10 February 2025

First Online: 3 March 2025

Declarations

:

: This study adhered to the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Sierra Leone Ethics and Scientific Review Committee at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Sierra Leone (Ethics Approval Number: 008/11/2023). Prior to data collection, participants were briefed on the study’s objectives. Written consent was obtained from all parents prior to their children’s participation, and during the children’s interviews, a parent or guardian was present to provide support and facilitate communication.Informed consent was obtained from all participants before their involvement. Confidentiality was maintained throughout the study, and all data were anonymised. Participants were assured of their right to withdraw from the study without consequence. No incentives were offered to participants to encourage participation. The study did not involve any invasive procedures or treatments.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.