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Article History

Received: 4 July 2025

Accepted: 24 October 2025

First Online: 27 October 2025

Declarations

:

: This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Mbarara University Research Ethics Committee (MUST-2024-1711) and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (HS5335ES). Additional authorization was granted by the Kamwenge District Health Officer and the Medical Director of Rukunyu Hospital. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection. All research activities adhered to established national and institutional ethical guidelines and regulatory standards. Participants identified with infections during the study were referred to qualified healthcare providers for appropriate medical treatment. As this was not a clinical trial, a clinical trial registration number is not applicable. Informed written consent was secured from all participants before data collection began. Each participant received comprehensive information regarding the study’s objectives, their rights, and the voluntary nature of their involvement. They were assured of their right to withdraw from the study at any point without facing any negative consequences. Participants found to have infections during the course of the study were referred to qualified healthcare professionals for appropriate medical care.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.