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Article History

Received: 27 August 2024

Accepted: 9 June 2025

First Online: 3 July 2025

Declarations

:

: This study was conducted in full compliance with the ethical principles outlined in the World Medical Association's Declaration of Helsinki (2024 update), which provides guidelines for medical research involving human participants. The study received approval from the University of Health and Allied Sciences Research Ethics Committee (UHAS-REC) under reference UHAS-REC B.10 [026]22–23. In accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, all living participants provided free and informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study. Participants were informed about the study’s purpose, their right to withdraw at any time without consequences, and the confidentiality of the data collected. Anonymity was ensured by assigning unique codes to participants, and all data were kept confidential. Permission was secured from the medical superintendent of Hohoe Municipal Hospital before questionnaire administration.All interviews were conducted with the respondents'full consent, including both written and verbal agreements. Participants signed or thumb-printed an informed consent form, and verbal consent was sought to ensure understanding, especially for those requiring additional explanation or preferring verbal communication. This dual consent process was approved by UHAS-REC, and confidentiality was upheld by using pseudonyms and restricting access to the encrypted, password-protected database to the Principal Investigator and research supervisor only. The study did not involve biological material or secondary data beyond patient records and did not require the consent of the patient's next of kin unless they were participating as treatment supporters. The study adhered to all relevant ethical guidelines concerning informed consent, data protection, and participant welfare as outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.