Table 5b.

Thematic analysis of caregiver interview responses (Themes and supporting quotes reflecting caregivers’ views on support roles, decision burden, and communication needs)

Sub-Themes	Participant quotes
Cost of treatment, insurance concerns	“Money is a big problem spending on dialysis twice a week,” “What can our financial terms be?”
Emotional and practical support, shared decision-making	“I have always been with him for whatever he decided,” “Ready to stop my work and be there with him.”
Fear of health deterioration, planning for the unknown	“What will our kids think?“, “What will be our future since spending so much on treatment?”
Treatment choices, reliance on medical advice	“Choosing the best treatment where the patient can get better,” “Doctor explaining everything about what to expect later.”
Stress, fear, and coping with illness	“Scared what if my decision can cause him anything bad,” “Stress because of what we are going through.”
Fatigue, dietary restrictions, lifestyle limitations	“Dialysis is very tiring and causes cramps,” “Can’t eat all favorite foods, water should be taken less.”
Understanding treatment options and disease progression	“Doctor explained everything,” “Understanding about dialysis till when to continue dialysis.”
Insurance, government support, managing dietary needs	“Government insurance for dialysis,” “Handling medicines and infections.”