Statistical analysis
Categorical data were presented as frequency and percentage values and were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, followed by pairwise comparisons utilizing multiple z-tests with Bonferroni correction. Numerical data were analyzed for normality using Shapiro-Wilk’s test. Data showed parametric distribution, so they were presented as mean and standard deviation values and were analyzed using the independent t-test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 within all tests. Statistical analysis was performed with R statistical analysis software version 4.1.1 for Windows1.