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Article History

Received: 13 August 2025

Accepted: 29 January 2026

First Online: 3 February 2026

Declarations

:

: This study adhered to the highest order of ethical consideration from design to actual implementation. This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent amendments. Ethical approval was granted by an Busitema University Faculty of Health sciences institutional ethics review board (BUFHS-2024-226) and registered with Uganda National Council of Science and technology (UNCST) registration number HS5670ES. prior to the collection of data. Permission was also secured from district health authorities as well as the administration of participating health facilities. All participants were fully informed of the study’s purpose, procedures that would be involved, risks and benefits thereof, and their right to withdraw at any stage of the study without consequences. Written informed consent was obtained before participation; for respondents below the age of majority, assent with parental or guardian consent was sought where applicable. Confidentiality and privacy were strictly maintained by using unique identifiers instead of personal names, securely storing data, and ensuring that only authorized members of the research team had access to the information. Data were used solely for academic and research purposes, and findings were presented in aggregated form to prevent identification of individuals or facilities. Ethical principles guiding this study revolved around beneficence, respect for persons, and justice across the entire research process.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.