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Article History

Received: 8 November 2024

Accepted: 22 August 2025

First Online: 1 October 2025

Declarations

:

: Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the Ethiopian Public Health Association’s Research Ethics Review Committee (Ref. #: EPHA/OG/382/24, June 28, 2024). Written permission to conduct the study was sought from the regional health bureaus, zonal health departments, and relevant institutions.Informed verbal consent was obtained, and voluntary participation was ensured throughout the study. All participants were informed about the study’s purpose, benefits, and potential risks, and they were made aware of their right to opt out or decline to answer any questions. When a respondent agreed to participate after reviewing the consent information, the interviewer documented consent by marking the questionnaire and providing a digital signature below the consent statement. Interviews proceeded only after consent was given and properly documented. The researchers ensured that all information obtained from participants was kept confidential and private to respect their privacy and maintain the integrity of the study. We confirmed that the study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

: Not applicable as all figures were developed as part of the work.

: The authors declare no competing interests.