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Article History

Received: 17 April 2023

Accepted: 7 January 2024

First Online: 25 January 2024

Declarations

:

: This research was performed in accordance with the Helsinki declaration of principles and the protocols for survey methodology, biomarker measurements, and all other instruments related to the survey were approved by the Institutional Ethical Review Board (IRB), IIPS, Mumbai, India, and the ICF International Review Board. Before each interview or biomarker test is conducted, an informed consent statement is read to the respondent, who may accept or decline to participate. A parent/LAR (Legally authorized representative) must provide consent prior to participation by an illiterate participants/child or adolescent. Most importantly, the informed consent statement emphasizes that participation is voluntary; that the respondent may refuse to answer any question, decline any biomarker test, or terminate participation at any time; and that the respondent’s identity and information will be kept strictly confidential. More information on DHS data and ethical standards is available at: .

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.