Table 3.

Coding framework after reduction of codes and categories

Theme	Supporting treatment-taking	Undermining treatment-taking
1. Hope and quality knowledge	-Acceptance of diagnosis -Perceived need for Tx -Belief in Tx efficacy -Hope for the future (perceived attainability of cure) -Peer-to-peer information -Active information seeking -Support and encouragement (counsellor, peer, family)	-Doubt, disbelief, shock, denial -Inadequate information and understanding -Restrictive HP advice -Distrust of health services -Myths and misinformation -Negative peer influence
2. Patient autonomy and control	-Ownership and self-responsibility -Valuing health -Strength of character, perseverance, motivation -HP support and encouragement	-Conflicting priorities -Sacrifices Tx requires -Authoritative practitioner-patient relationships -Gender roles -Stigma, shame, blame, isolation -Social/financial responsibility
3. Perceptions of self, body, Tx and disease on Tx tolerance	-Coping mechanisms -Visualisation techniques -Distractions from Tx -Mind set and positivity	-Drug side effects -Intolerance -Drug toxicity, poisoning -Tx fatigue

Tx treatment, HP health practitioner