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Article History

Received: 3 May 2024

Accepted: 19 September 2025

First Online: 29 October 2025

Declarations

:

: Ethical approval was obtained from the TASO Research and Ethics Committee (TASO-REC), (Registration Number TASO-2022-161) and the study was registered by the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (UNCST). Additional authorization to conduct this study was obtained from Kyotera district Local government (Specifically the CAOs office) and community leaders before approaching the individual participants. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and followed all applicable national ethical standards for research involving human participants.Given the sensitivity of the topic and the vulnerable nature of the participants, a thorough and age-appropriate consent process was implemented. All participants were informed about the purpose of the study, the voluntary nature of their participation, and their right to withdraw at any time without any consequences. For adolescents below 18 years of age, written informed consent was obtained from a parent or legal guardian, and written assent was obtained from the adolescent. Adolescents aged 18 years and above provided their own written informed consent.To ensure privacy and confidentiality, interviews were conducted in secure and agreed-upon locations. Participants were assured that no identifying information would be disclosed and that their responses would not be shared with parents or guardians. Participants were also informed they could skip any question or end the interview at any point without any repercussions.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.