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Article History

Received: 5 August 2025

Accepted: 27 January 2026

First Online: 13 February 2026

Declarations

:

: This study adhered to strict ethical standards throughout its execution. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of GAMBY Medical and Business College (Reference number: G/C 09/244/2023). Following IRB approval, permissions were secured from the Amhara Public Health Institute, as well as the Central Gondar Health and Education Departments, and the school administrations. Participants were assured of their right to voluntary engagement and the maintenance of strict confidentiality to promote open and honest self-disclosure. Anonymity was ensured throughout data collection by omitting any personally identifiable information from the study instruments and assigning unique serial numbers to each participant. Furthermore, to protect the participants’ privacy during interviews and anthropometric measurements, data collection was conducted in pre-arranged private areas. Female data collectors were employed to further ensure comfort and sensitivity (same-sex data collectors). Informed written consent was obtained from participants aged 18 and older, while parental/guardian consent and participant assent were obtained for those under 18.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.