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Article History

Received: 19 February 2024

Accepted: 28 January 2025

First Online: 3 February 2025

Declarations

:

: This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki to ensure respect for all participants and protect their health and rights []. Three ethical review committees approved this study: Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital (070/91/301.4.2/Litb/II/2019), the Leprosy Mission Trust India (5/vii/C-37), and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (17007). Before data collection, all participants were given a verbal explanation of the nature and purpose of the research. The participants were informed of the protocol and the consent was then obtained. Participants were informed that interview or FGD questions focused on the issues they encountered during the provision of care and may elicit unpleasant memories. Participants were also informed of their right to not answer questions and leave the study at any moment without explanation. Participants signed a consent form, and approval of minors’ responsible adult was sought. Individuals gave verbal consent if they were unable to provide written consent for any reason, such as illiteracy or physical impairments that prevented them from writing, and the researcher noted it in writing before the start of the interview. A witness, such as the research assistant or a family member of the participant, observed this discussion and signed the consent form after ensuring that the participant fully understood their rights and risks. The researcher’s affiliation with the hospital in Indonesia might have influenced the willingness of participants to openly share any negative experiences. Participants might have been concerned that sharing negative feedback could affect their care or work at the hospital. Despite the consent form stating that participation was voluntary and that participants could withdraw at any time without repercussions, they still had the right to decline to answer any questions that made them uncomfortable.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.