Table 1.

Example of questions in the semi-structured discussion guide

Topic	Example questions for each symptom mentioned
Description	What is it a like? Can you describe that for me?
Frequency	How often does it happen? Does it vary? How long does it last? Does that change from day-to-day or throughout the day?
Severity	How severe is it? Does the severity change from day to day or throughout the day? What is it like when it’s at its worst? What is it like when it’s at its mildest? Does anything make it better? Does anything make it worse?
Emotional Impact	Does ankylosing spondylitis affect you emotionally? If so, how?
Impact on activities of daily living	Does ankylosing spondylitis affect your everyday activities? If so, how? Does ankylosing spondylitis affect what you do? Do you ever avoid activities because of ankylosing spondylitis?
Impact on leisure/social/family activities	Does ankylosing spondylitis affect your social activities? Does ankylosing spondylitis affect your relationships?

^a Interviewers used the term for each symptom spontaneously reported by participant.