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Article History

Received: 2 October 2025

Accepted: 2 January 2026

First Online: 30 January 2026

Declarations

:

: This study was conducted in full compliance with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki as developed by the World Medical Association. Ethical clearance to conduct this research was acquired from the Biomedical Science Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Western Cape (BM22/7/8). Permission to conduct the study was also acquired from the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education as well as from the principals of each participating high school. Each high school was visited to inform grade eight and nine students of the study, its purpose, and what participation entailed. All students were provided with an information sheet for their legal guardians’ perusal. The information sheet served to inform the legal guardians of the purpose of the study, what participation entailed, and the ethical implications. Informed consent for participation was sought from legal guardians using a consent form attached to the information sheet. Only students who returned with consent forms signed by their legal guardians were allowed to participate. Assent for participation was sought from the students. Participation in this study was voluntary, and students were informed that they were free to decline participation at any time. Anonymity and confidentiality were maintained throughout the study.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.