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Article History

Received: 3 September 2025

Accepted: 23 March 2026

First Online: 6 April 2026

Declarations

:

: The study obtained ethical clearance from the institutional review board (IRB) of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) with a Ref No: DA.282/298/01.C/2878. Further, the permission to conduct the study in Shinyanga DC was obtained from District Executive Director (DED) through Regional Administration Secretary (RAS). Informed consent was obtained from respondents before they filled the questionnaires. Specifically, study participants were first informed regarding the objectives of the study, the voluntary participation and the freedom to decline or withdraw at any time. There was no compensation for participating in the study. Furthermore, data retrieved from participants were not and will not be exposed after data collection and confidentially was observed throughout the study.

: Informed consent was sought and obtained from each participant before the beginning of interview. Also, the researchers adhered to all principles of ethics provided by Helsinki Declaration on conducting research by ensuring confidentiality, privacy of participants and no risk was associated with participation in the study. Informed consent was obtained from a parent and/or legal guardian for participants who are under 18.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.