The institutional review board of the hospital approved this study. The research procedures and recruiting criteria were explained to researchers before they contacted the potential subjects. All the participants were referred by doctors and provided informed consent for participation in this study. It was emphasized that participation was voluntary and could be withdrawn at any time. The subjects’ responses were considered anonymous and confidential. The researchers explained the risks and benefits of participation as well as the patients’ right to refuse to participate without jeopardizing treatment.
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