Table 2.

Code Definitions, Grouped by Theme

Code	Definition
Health Problems	Medical conditions that may develop as a consequence of taking a medication
General	Other non-specific/general description of side effects, including defining the words “side effect”
Worsening Health	A belief that new health problems will arise or existing problems worsen as a result of taking a medication
Permanent Effects	Evaluating whether the medication will cause irreversible, long lasting health problems or if the problems are temporary
Specific symptoms	Specific health problems resulting from taking a medication, including references to an allergic reaction
Negative Affect	Negative affective words or responses to potential side effects of medications
Mild	A mild or moderately negative term or subjective experience resulting from the drug
Strong	A clearly negative emotional response or evaluation, or the use of terms that elicit a strong negative emotional response
Decision-Relevant Evaluations	Responses suggesting engagement in thinking about key issues related to making medication decisions
Alternative Options	Seeking information about other treatment options
Efficacy	An evaluation of whether or not the medication will work to solve target health problem, or the strength of the medication
To Be Expected	When taking a medication, side effects are to be expected
Questioning	Using questions to seek more information about the side effects
Rare	Belief that side effects occur infrequently among individuals taking a medication or that not everyone experiences the side effect
Risk	Evaluation of drawbacks and/or benefit of taking a medication; includes considering the probability/possibility of something occurring
Severity	Evaluating/wondering about the seriousness of the drug side effects
Practical Considerations	Actions or thoughts related to avoiding side effects or their consequences
Responsive Actions	Steps taken or not taken to avoid potential side effects of a medication, not including stopping a medication.
Unable to Take	Individuals discontinue/decide not to take a medication due to side effect potential; includes considering if one is “able” to take the drug
Miscellaneous	Responses that do not fit the other themes.