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Article History

Received: 23 September 2025

Accepted: 1 March 2026

First Online: 11 March 2026

Declarations

:

: Ethical clearance for this study was granted by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, with approval number BSMMU/2023/6351. The IRB authorized the commencement of the research during its meeting held on 15th April 2023. Informed written consent was received from all the participants. All participants provided informed written consent before participating in the study, ensuring that they voluntarily agreed to take part in the research. The informed consent process involved detailed communication regarding the study’s objectives, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. Participants were made fully aware of their rights, including the right to refuse participation or withdraw from the study at any time, without facing any negative consequences or penalties. This emphasis on voluntary participation was central to maintaining ethical standards throughout the study.

: To ensure the confidentiality and privacy of participants, each individual was assigned a unique identification number, and all data were coded. Access to participant data was restricted to research personnel and was solely used for the purposes of this study. Participants were informed of their right to refuse or withdraw from the study at any time. Furthermore, participants were not compensated for their time, but were fully informed about the study before agreeing to participate.

: All authors provided consent for publication of this article.

: The authors declare no competing interests.