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Article History

Received: 19 February 2025

Accepted: 20 May 2025

First Online: 31 May 2025

Declarations

:

: Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the School of Health Technology Health Research Ethics Committee, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (Approval Number: FUTO/SOHT/2023 − 0129). Additional approval was granted by the Imo State Ministry of Education to conduct the study in selected secondary schools within Ikeduru Local Government Area. Prior to data collection, informed consent was obtained from relevant school authorities, including the principals of participating schools who served as loco parentis. Given that the study involved students who were minors, assent was obtained from the children after getting informed consent from the school principal, acting as guardians, in line with ethical guidelines for research involving children []. Participants were informed about the purpose of the study, the voluntary nature of their participation, and their right to withdraw at any time without consequences. Confidentiality and anonymity of respondents were strictly maintained, with all collected data used solely for research purposes.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.