Document is current

Article History

Received: 15 July 2025

Accepted: 27 January 2026

First Online: 6 February 2026

Declarations

:

: This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, which provides guidance on research involving human subjects, including the protection of their rights, safety, and well-being. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Health Research and Ethics Committee of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (Ref: ADM/DSCST/HREC/APP/4739). Prior to participation, all eligible respondents received comprehensive information about the study’s objectives, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant, and participation was entirely voluntary, with the option to withdraw at any point without penalty or loss of benefits. In addition to obtaining ethical clearance, a formal community entry process was undertaken to ensure social license and acceptance. Permission was first sought and obtained from the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) in each of the selected Local Government Areas. Subsequently, the research team engaged with key community gatekeepers, including Ward Councillors and Community Development Association (CDA) Chairmen, who facilitated access to the selected neighborhoods.

: All participants were informed that the findings of this study may be published in scientific journals and used for academic purposes. They provided written consent for the use of anonymized data in publications. No identifying images, personal information, or clinical details of participants were included in this manuscript.

: The authors declare no competing interests.