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Article History

Received: 2 January 2026

Accepted: 24 February 2026

First Online: 10 March 2026

Declarations

:

: The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki after obtaining institutional ethical clearance from Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee (IRERC) of Oda Bultum University (Ref. No.: RCSVP/078/2022/23). Official letters of support were issued to the Chiro Woreda administration, and permission to conduct the study was sought from the selected kebeles. The objectives, procedures, potential risks, and benefits of the study were clearly explained to each participant. Study participants were informed of their right to refuse participation or withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. Confidentiality was ensured throughout the study by using numeric codes on questionnaires to anonymize the data. Informed voluntary written consent was obtained from mothers or caregivers before participation. For participants identified with diarrhea, oral rehydration solution (ORS) was provided, and they were referred to the nearest health centers for further medical intervention.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.