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Article History

Received: 28 November 2024

Accepted: 16 September 2025

First Online: 27 October 2025

Declarations

:

: Prior to data collection, the study protocol was reviewed by Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Ethics Committee (MUST-2021-291) for ethical clearance. Administrative clearance was obtained from the Chief Administrative Officer and the District Health Officer. Following administrative clearance from the District Health Officer, permission to carry out the study was obtained from the head teachers of the different schools for the school going youth. The study participants were then approached and study procedures explained before being asked to participate in the study. For all study participants that accepted and were 18 years and above, written informed consent was obtained. For the minors, written informed assent together with consent from guardians was obtained for those outside school and head teachers for those in schools. Prior to data collection, written informed consent was obtained from each participant older than 18 years; and assent was obtained from all study participants less than 18 years as well as informed consent from their guardians. Anonymity was ensured by not collecting any of the participants’ personal identifying information throughout the study. The study was carried out in compliance with the ethical principles set forth in the Declaration of Helsinki.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.