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Article History

Received: 6 May 2026

Accepted: 2 September 2026

First Online: 6 September 2026

Declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study was conducted in full compliance with the ethical principles set forth in the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki (2024 update), which provides guidelines for medical research involving human participants. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Institutional Review Board (IRB). Permission to conduct the study in the selected regions and communities was also sought from local authorities and community leaders. An informed consent form with a clear explanation of the procedure was read to each participant before the interview. Before issuing the questionnaires, all respondents were given the option to decline answering any questions. Furthermore, respondents were made aware that they could withdraw from the study at any time. Respondents’ safety was ensured, and confidentiality of responses was maintained. The study did not involve biological material or secondary data beyond patient records and did not require the consent of patients’ next of kin unless they were participating as treatment supporters. The study adhered to all relevant ethical guidelines concerning informed consent, data protection, and participant welfare as outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants included in the study were adults aged 18 years and above. Therefore, parental or legal guardian consent was not applicable. Written informed consent was obtained from participants who were able to read and write. For participants who were unable to read or write, the informed consent form was read and explained in a language they understood, and verbal informed consent was obtained before participation. Prior to data collection, all participants were informed about the study objectives, procedures, potential risks and benefits, their right to decline participation, and their right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. Participants were also informed that they could choose not to answer any question they felt uncomfortable responding to. Confidentiality and privacy were maintained throughout the study, and all information collected was used solely for research purposes.

Consent for publication: Not applicable.

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.