Asare, Isaac Tachie
Douglas, Mbuyiselo
Kye-Duodu, Gideon
Manu, Emmanuel
Article History
Received: 9 November 2022
Accepted: 9 May 2023
First Online: 18 May 2023
Declarations
:
: Ethical approval for this study was sought from the University of Health Allied Sciences Research Ethical Committee (UHAS-REC A.10 [84] 20–21). Permission was then obtained from the Bono Regional Director of Health Services and the various directors in the six selected districts. Also, the researchers ensured that the study conformed to the required ethical guidelines underlying the involvement of human subjects, as outlined by the UHAS-REC. Informed consent was sought from respondents by fully disclosing the content of the study to the participants. Participants gave their consent by signing an informed consent form since all participants had attained tertiary-level education. The entire questionnaire was explained to the participants and all issues raised by them were clarified. Issues of confidentiality were assured since the names of the participants were not needed, thus codes were assigned as identification during the discussion. Participants were assured that all audio tapes and transcripts would be kept and used by the principal investigator and the supervisor only unless authorised by law and regulation. It was also explained to them that there was no known risk associated with this study, however, some questions on the questionnaire may contain some sensitive questions like age and educational level which may affect their privacy. Participants did not receive any compensation for participation but were thanked for their cooperation and contributions. Participants derived no direct benefits from the study. The data collectors, as well as the participants, adhered to the laid down COVID-19 protocols in the country at the time. Participants wore face masks and applied hand sanitizers before they were interviewed. The study was carried out in accordance with the relevant guidelines and recommendations concerning the involvement of human subjects in research, per the UHAS-REC guidelines for conducting research. All methods were carried out in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations per the UHAS-REC.
: Not applicable.
: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.